Javi Martínez is in his last weeks as a contract player for Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga leader officially announced on Tuesday that the 32-year-old defender, whose contract expires this summer, will not be offered a new contract. Martínez served Bayern for a total of nine seasons. At the time, he was taken over from Athletic Club for a record amount of forty million euros.
“I am proud of the fact that I have been part of the Bayern family for nine years,” said Martínez in a response to the club site. “I would like to say a big thank you to the club and especially the fans. Munich has really been my home all these years and I have always given the best of myself for the club. I am grateful for all the awards we have won together and the supporters have a place in my heart forever. ” Technical director Hasan Salihamidzic lacks superlatives to highlight Martínez’s role in Bayern’s success since 2012.
The top 10 most expensive purchases from Bayern Munich
| PLAYER | YEAR | DERIVED FROM | AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Lucas Hernández | 2019 | Atlético Madrid | 80 million euros |
| 2. Leroy Sané | 2020 | Manchester City | 45 million euros |
| 3. Dayot Upamecano | 2022 | RB Leipzig | 42.5 million euros |
| 4. Corentin Tolisso | 2017 | Olympique Lyon | 41.5 million euros |
| 5. Javi Martinez | 2012 | Athletic Club | 40 million euros |
| 6. Arturo Vidal | 2015 | Juventus | 39.25 million euros |
| 7. Mario Götze | 213 | Borussia Dortmund | 37 million euros |
| 8. Mats Hummels | 2016 | Borussia Dortmund | 35 million euros |
| 9. Benjamin Pavard | 2019 | VfB Stuttgart | 35 million euros |
| 10. Renato Sanches | 2016 | Benfica | 35 million euros |
“He was decisive not only on the field but also in the dressing room,” said the grateful Bayern director. “His performances are almost unmatchable. Especially in the top matches, Javi was of inestimable value to us, especially in the Champions League final of 2013 (2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund, ed.). Javi is a versatile player who always puts the interests of the team first. He really belongs to the Bayern family and that will never change again, “said Salihamidzic.
Martínez captured the treble (German league title, DFB-Pokal and Champions League) and repeated that trick in 2020. His trophy cabinet was supplemented in Munich with a total of 22 prizes. This season, the defender cum defensive midfielder could not count on a permanent place. Trainer Hansi Flick awarded the Spanish routine only four times a basic place. In total Martinez made 28 appearances on behalf of Bayern in all competitions in this year. He is expected to return to Spain this summer.
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