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Alaba explains why he has decided to sever ties with Bayern

David Alaba - Bayern Munich
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The Austria international, after 13 long and distinguished years, is set to walk out the Allianz Arena exit door at the end of the season.

David Alaba’s decision to leave Bayern Munich was prompted by the desire to step away from his “comfort zone” and “take another step forward” in his career.

Alaba joined Bayern’s youth academy back in 2008, made his senior debut two years later, and established himself as a regular member of the first team by 2011.

Boasting one of the most decorated CVs at present, the 28-year-old has won 26 major honors so far including nine Bundesliga titles and two Champions League trophies.

After over 420 appearances for the German giants, he is set to embark on a new journey, having reportedly agreed to join Real Madrid on a free transfer.

“It’s always difficult when something comes to an end and it’s no secret that I’ve always really felt at home here,” Alaba told the club’s official website.

“Obviously, I’m leaving FC Bayern with a tear in my eye but also looking forward to my future at the same time. It wasn’t a decision against the club, but I decided I’d like to do something new and take another step forward. 

“To grow, you have to leave your ‘comfort zone’ – and I deliberately put that word in quotation marks because it could possibly be misunderstood. 

“At FC Bayern, the expectations on the pitch are always extreme from the management, in the dressing room or from yourself. 

“I think that perhaps you have to go into the unknown to be able to mature again.”

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