“It wasn’t just because of Cristiano Ronaldo. With the return of Florentino Pérez, the club signed Ronaldo, Kaká, Karim Benzema, and Xabi Alonso. So much money was spent that some players had to leave.
For me, it was disappointing, because I had a very good relationship with coach Manuel Pellegrini and I had my best pre-season of my career. It wasn’t an easy decision – I was leaving a giant club like Real Madrid, with no turning back.
At that time, Bayern Munich wasn’t as dominant in Europe, but I had a goal: to win the Champions League and prove myself.
In the end, it turned out to be the best decision of my career.”
