Bayern part company with out-of-favour Toni

Bayern Munich are to release out-of-favour Italian striker Luca Toni one year before the end of his contract, the German champions said Wednesday.

“FC Bayern Munich and striker Luca Toni will terminate their contract as of 30 June, 2010. The contract with the Italian striker was due to run until 2011,” the club said in a statement.

“I want to thank Luca Toni warmly for his performances and goals, especially in the 2007-2008 season, when we won the double,” said Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

“I now wish Luca Toni all the best for his future at his new club.”

The 33-year-old, part of the World Cup winning Italian side in 2006, played 60 Bundesliga games for Bayern and scored 38 goals. In 2008, he was the Bundesliga’s top scorer.

But he fell out of favour with Dutch coach Louis van Gaal, with Rummenigge saying last month: “He has to be realistic about his future with Bayern Munich … It is up to him and his agent to find a solution in Italy.”

This season, Toni was on loan to AS Roma, but he failed to impress captain Francesco Totti and did not make his mark at the club. He was not picked for Italy’s World Cup squad.

According to the German press, Toni is set to sign for Serie A side Genoa.