The former Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso has said the signing of Toni Kroos by Real Madrid had nothing to do with his decision to join Bayern Munich.
Germany's World Cup winner Kroos left Allianz-Arena in July to join Carlo Ancelotti's star-studded squad and ramp up the pressure for midfield places in the Spanish capital.
Ex-Spain anchorman Alonso moved in the opposite direction on Friday when it was confirmed he had signed a two-year contract to join the Bundesliga giants.
When asked whether he had effectively been squeezed out by Kroos, Alonso said: "Not at all. He's a great player.
"I think we could have played a lot of minutes together.
"It goes beyond that. Real Madrid have everything planned. The midfield is well covered.
"I do not think my absence will be felt. Madrid have a great squad."
The former Liverpool midfielder said he felt the time was right to leave Estadio Santiago Bernabeu off the back of last season's Champions League-winning campaign and revealed he only got to know of coach Pep Guardiola's interest recently.
"Bayern's interest is recent," he added. "Within the last two weeks.
"Having won 'La Decima' I see there is a new cycle for everyone."
Guardiola, who also signed Mehdi Benatia from Roma this week, said he was in doubt new signing Alonso will make a seamless switch to Germany and help offset the loss of Javi Martinez to a knee injury.
"I was very happy with our squad but after Javi's injury we decided we need another couple of players," he said.
"Benatia is a centre-back who's good in the air and good going forwards.
"Everyone knows Alonso. He's a great personality and has a lot of experience. Both are very good signings for the club.
"We need a player with Alonso's qualities and he's a very intelligent player in his position."
Bayern Munich are currently priced 1212/1 in the Uefa 2014/15 Champions League outright winner market.
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The former Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso has said the signing of Toni Kroos by Real Madrid had nothing to do with his decision to join Bayern Munich.
Germany's World Cup winner Kroos left Allianz-Arena in July to join Carlo Ancelotti's star-studded squad and ramp up the pressure for midfield places in the Spanish capital.
Ex-Spain anchorman Alonso moved in the opposite direction on Friday when it was confirmed he had signed a two-year contract to join the Bundesliga giants.
When asked whether he had effectively been squeezed out by Kroos, Alonso said: "Not at all. He's a great player.
"I think we could have played a lot of minutes together.
"It goes beyond that. Real Madrid have everything planned. The midfield is well covered.
"I do not think my absence will be felt. Madrid have a great squad."
The former Liverpool midfielder said he felt the time was right to leave Estadio Santiago Bernabeu off the back of last season's Champions League-winning campaign and revealed he only got to know of coach Pep Guardiola's interest recently.
"Bayern's interest is recent," he added. "Within the last two weeks.
"Having won 'La Decima' I see there is a new cycle for everyone."
Guardiola, who also signed Mehdi Benatia from Roma this week, said he was in doubt new signing Alonso will make a seamless switch to Germany and help offset the loss of Javi Martinez to a knee injury.
"I was very happy with our squad but after Javi's injury we decided we need another couple of players," he said.
"Benatia is a centre-back who's good in the air and good going forwards.
"Everyone knows Alonso. He's a great personality and has a lot of experience. Both are very good signings for the club.
"We need a player with Alonso's qualities and he's a very intelligent player in his position."
Bayern Munich are currently priced 1212/1 in the Uefa 2014/15 Champions League outright winner market.
Looking for more from bet365? Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook or +1 us on Google+ for fun competitions, special offers & much more!
Don't forget, all of the fantastic markets we have to offer, including In-Play betting, can be accessed on mobile or tablet with bet365 On The Move.
Source: bet365.com