Thiago Alcantara completed his move to Liverpool from Bayern Munich on Friday and the German club released a statement including Pep Guardiola's famous message regarding the player.
The 29-year-old spent the last seven years with the German club, signing for the now Manchester City manager. And Bayern's CEO has shared what Guardiola first said when bringing in the midfielder from Barcelona as he begins a new chapter in his career with the Premier League champions.
In a statement, the Bavarian club said: "FC Bayern have reached an agreement with English champions Liverpool FC on the transfer of midfielder Thiago Alcántara. The 29-year-old Spain international said goodbye to his teammates and the coaching staff at Säbener Straße yesterday."
CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge shared Pep Guardiola's message to his hierarchy, pointing out how adamant he was to sign a player of his quality.
He said: “I still clearly remember how Pep Guardiola said at the beginning of his tenure in Munich, ‘Thiago or nothing’. In hindsight, I’m very happy that we fulfilled Pep’s demand at the time.
“ Thiago has developed from a talented 22-year-old into a true leader, who we hugely appreciate above all as a person. He wanted a new sporting challenge in another league. We’ve granted that request and agreed a transfer with Liverpool.
"On behalf of all of FC Bayern, I wish Thiago and his family all the best for the future. A truly distinguished player like him will always be a friend of our club.”
Thiago joined Bayern Munich in the summer of 2013 and has won the Bundesliga title in each of the seven years he was with the club, as well as four DFB Cups (2014, 2016, 2019 and 2020), three DFL Supercups (2016, 2017 and 2018), the 2013 FIFA Club World Cup and, just a few weeks ago, the UEFA Champions League - taking Liverpool's crown from the season before.
Bayern board member for Sport Hasan Salihamidžić: “I believe we all regret that Thiago now wants something new in his life as he approaches 30. He’s an extraordinary footballer and person. I’m sure that he’ll remain close to FC Bayern.
"With us, he became one of the best players in Europe and won everything there is to win at club level with FC Bayern. His children were born in Munich and his family have made their home in Munich. He won’t forget that. I wish him good health and hope he finds what he’s looking for.”
Thiago made 235 competitive appearances for Germany’s record champions, scoring 31 goals and providing 35 assists. He has won 39 caps for the Spain national team, scoring two goals.
The deal is Liverpool's second of the summer following the £11.75m arrival of Kostas Tsimikas last month.
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