Bayern Munich midfielder Mark van Bommel has joined AC Milan
after he asked for his contract at the German club to be
terminated.
Van Bommel, who impressed with his combative style for
Netherlands at the 2010 World Cup, has been linked with moves to
Liverpool, Wolfsburg and AC Milan and, with his contract expiring
at the end of the season, the 33-year-old has chosen to continue
his career in Italy.
"Captain Mark van Bommel is joining AC Milan effective
immediately," Bayern said in a statement. "The Dutch international
asked for his contract to become void to transfer for sporting
reasons."
The player himself claimed he would not reveal the reasons for
his decision, but admitted there was no problem with the club.
"I am a proud captain and the club has not laid anything in my
way," he told Sport1 television. "I am very happy with the
way [Bayern chairman] Mr [Karl-Heinz] Rummenigge has treated me,
that deserves respect. I will not talk about my reasons [for
wanting to leave].
''I am leaving FC Bayern with a heavy heart, but with my head
held high. I had four-and-a-half wonderful and successful years
here and would like to express my gratitude to the club and the
fans. FC Bayern will always have a place in my heart.''
Bayern had not made their captain an offer for a contract
extension beyond the end of the season, and Rummenigge admitted it
was only fair to let him consider other options.
''It was Mark's expressed request to be released from his
contract immediately to be able to transfer to AC Milan for
sporting reasons,'' said Rummenigge in a statement.
''Mark was always a role model, an important and successful
player for FC Bayern and, more than that, he was an exceptional
captain. Given his service to the club, we accepted Mark's
request.''
Milan have struggled for midfield players as Massimo Ambrosini,
Matthieu Flamini and youngster Alexander Merkel are the only fit
stars currently available. The Rossoneri are also set to
freshen up their squad with the likes of Gennaro Gattuso, Clarence
Seedorf and Andrea Pirlo out of contract in the summer.