Germany’s star striker commits to Bayern

Germany striker Miroslav Klose on Monday celebrated his goal-scoring performance in the 4-0 World Cup demolition of Australia by expressing his desire to stay with Bayern Munich.

Klose, whose goal against the Socceroos was his 11th in World Cup finals, has a deal with the German champions until 2011 and insists there is no substance in claims he was on his way to promoted Kaiserslautern.

“I feel really great at Bayern where I have the opportunity to work with an excellent coach (Louis van Gaal). The option of a switch to Kaiserslautern was never something I considered.”

Klose played 25 times in the Bundesliga last season, but 14 of those were as a substitute. He managed just three goals.

Van Gaal opted to use Mario Gomez, Ivica Olic and Thomas Mueller, a decision which fuelled speculation that Klose, the top scorer at the 2006 World Cup, would be on his way out.

“I have been persuaded that I’ll get a fresh start at Bayern. After the World Cup, we all start from scratch,” said Klose.