Bayern Munich defender David Alaba has confirmed that he will leave the club when his deal expires at the end of the season.
The versatile Austrian is understood to have rebuffed Bayern's attempts to tie him down to a new deal, and he will seek pastures new when his existing deal expires in June of this year.
The Bavarian giants posted a quote from Alaba on their Twitter account, where the 28-year-old said: "I have made the decision to leave #FCBayern at the end of this season and try something new.
"It obviously wasn't an easy decision - I've been here for 13 years and the club means a lot to me."
Alaba's next career move remains shrouded in uncertainty, but Real Madrid are believed to be at the head of the queue for his signature, although Chelsea reportedly hold a strong interest in the centre-back as well.
Despite rejecting the club's offer of a lucrative new contract, Alaba has remained a key player for Hansi Flick's side this term, chipping in with two goals and one assist in 20 Bundesliga appearances.
The Austria international has amassed 33 goals and 50 assists in 415 appearances for Bayern, where he has lifted the Champions League twice and the Bundesliga a staggering nine times.
Ben Knapton
