Van Bommel backs Toni exit

(GSM) – Bayern München captain Mark van Bommel has backed the Bavarian club’s decision to let Luca Toni leave.

The Italy international has joined Serie A club Roma on loan until the end of the season after falling out with Bayern coach Louis van Gaal.

And Van Bommel says his departure suits everybody concerned.

“Luca gave FC Bayern great service, but he made the right decision for himself and for us,” said Van Bommel from Bayern’s winter training camp in Dubai.

“It would have been difficult with such a player sat on the bench.”

Van Bommel insists the Bayern players could not be in a more positive frame of mind with a week to go before the start of the second half of the season.

“The atmosphere is very good,” he added.

“Everybody gets on with everybody else and there is no disturbing influence in there.

“If we stick together, then we can achieve a lot.”

Bayern have their sights on winning back the Bundesliga title this season and they can move to the top of the table for the first time in 20 months by defeating Hoffenheim next Friday.