Javi Martinez to leave Bayern

As quoted by multiple media outlets, Javi Martinez has declared himself ready to leave Bayern Munich when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The 32-year-old Spaniard, who is comfortable playing either as a defensive midfielder or a centre-back, has been at the Allianz Arena for eight years now, since joining from Athletic Bilbao in 2012 for a reported fee of €40 million. He was a very important part of the team which won the 2013 treble, when he famously marked Lionel Messi out of their Champions League semifinal first leg against Barcelona which the Bavarians won by 4-0.

Overall, he has made 252 appearances for the club so far, but last season he lost his place in the starting XI under Hans-Dieter Flick. He was keen to leave this summer, but Flick reportedly convinced him to remain for the final year of his contract. However, it seems he won’t be signing a new one and there should be plenty of suitors batting their eyelids his way when the time comes.