João Palhinha is delighted to finally be at Bayern Munich after last year's disappointment of failing to complete his proposed transfer from Fulham.
Twelve months after his failed move to Bayern Munich, João Palhinha finally joined the Bavarians earlier this summer. The Portuguese international came ever so close to joining Bayern last summer, but the move collapsed at the eleventh hour. Max Eberl and co. renewed Bayern's interest in the defensive midfielder this summer, signing him from Fulham for a fee of around 50 million euros.
"It was a hard one to swallow" - João Palhinha on last year's failed move to Bayern Munich
Palhinha was introduced as a Bayern Munich player at a press conference on Tuesday, and commented on his failed transfer from last summer. "I didn't think that Bayern would come back for me," the 29 year old said. "When the transfer didn't happen, it was a disappointment for me and my family. It was a hard one to swallow. I knew that if I wanted to get another chance to play for Bayern, I had to continue to do what I did my entire career. I'm very proud that I now have this opportunity."
The Portuguese international is set to play a key role for Vincent Kompany's side in the coming season, and is raring to get going. He also spoke about earning comparisons with former Bayern Munich defensive midfielder Javi Martínez. "It makes me very proud to be compared to a player like him. He was also a role model for me when I was young. We have similar qualities but I want to write my own story here."
João Palhinha is regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in world football, and will hope to make a big impact at Bayern in an area that the team desperately needed some improvement in.