Breaking: Bayern Munich announces Javi Martinez will leave the club

After nine seasons of playing in Bavaria, Bayern Munich officially announced that midfielder Javi Martinez would be departing the club at the end of the season.

According to an official press release from the club, Bayern and Martinez mutually agreed not to extend his contract, which is set to expire at the end of this year.

In his statement, Martinez thanked the club and said he’d remember his time in Munich fondly:

“I’m very proud and happy to have been part of the FC Bayern family for nine years. I’d like to thank this great club and especially our fans – you have made Munich my home! I’ll never forget these nine years. From the very first day, I felt the ‘Mia san mia’ and the special nature of FC Bayern. I lived for this club, always gave everything for it, and am very happy about the many titles we won together. FC Bayern and its fans will forever be in my heart. Muchas gracias, dankeschön, servus – see you again!”

Bayern’s board members also made comments on the departure.

Club President Herbert Hainer:

“Javi Martinez is one of those people who make it clear what FC Bayern stands for. When top international players identify with our club way he does, you can achieve great things. Javi quickly became one of us, and the incredible amount of success we’ve enjoyed with him speaks for itself. Javi Martinez will always have a special place in the history of this club. We wish him all the best for his future.”

Club CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge:

“It was a difficult decision when we signed Javi Martinez in summer 2012 because the transfer fee of €40 million was a record amount for us at the time. The decision was spot on. Javi gave our team great quality in terms of play and has always been an excellent personal fit. The highlight of the many titles he’s won with us was, of course, the two Champions League wins, in the 2013 final against Borussia Dortmund and in 2020 against Paris Saint-Germain. And we all still remember his two last-minute goals in the European Super Cups against Chelsea in 2013 and against Sevilla in 2020. May I thank Javi for a tremendously enjoyable and successful time. Take care, Javi. You’ll always be an important part of the FC Bayern family.”

Oliver Kahn:

“FC Bayern has been able to celebrate tremendous success with and thanks to Javi Martinez. Javi was an important cornerstone of our team for nine years, during which time we have made history. Winning the Bundesliga every year so far, two Champions League titles, two trebles – that speaks for itself. Muchas gracias, Javi!”

Sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic:

“Javi was a very important player for FC Bayern over nine years, a defining player not just on the pitch but also in the dressing room and all around the club. His track record is almost unparalleled, especially in the big games where he was one who made the difference, starting with the 2013 Champions League final. He was versatile, put himself at the service of the team and always gave his all. Javi has his permanent place in the FC Bayern family and will keep it.”

Since joining the team in 2012, Javi Martinez was part of one of the most successful spells in Bayern Munich history. He’s won eight Bundesliga titles, five DFB-Pokal trophies, four DFL-Supercups, two UEFA Supercups, two FIFA Club World Cups and the 2013 and 2020 UEFA Champions Leagues.

His presence at the base of the midfield brought stability to the Bayern lineup for almost a decade.

Danke für alles, Javi. Best of luck in your future efforts.