Dante off to Bayern

Borussia had hoped to keep Dante but he has informed the director of sport Max Eberl he will be moving to Bayern.

Dante told the club website, www.borussia.de: "Bayern Munich are among the world's top three or four clubs. At Bayern I have the chance to play at the very highest level and win titles.

"I'm 28 now and this is a career step I'd like to take."

Dante revealed Monchengladbach had tried to persuade him to stay with the offer of a new contract.

"Borussia tried all they could to keep me and give me a new contract.

"I've been here for three and a half years now and I've had a wonderful time.

"For that I'd like to thank everyone at the club and the fantastic supporters.

"It hurts to leave but decisions like this are a part of every player's career."

Eberl admitted the club had been disappointed by Dante's decision but that they understood his choice.

He said: "Nevertheless we were hoping right to the end that Dante would opt to continue down the path he has taken here as a top player and crowd favourite and go on to write history in Monchengladbach.

"We understand his decision but we're obviously a touch disappointed."

Eberl was confident the club could find a replacement for Dante to link up with Martin Stranzl and Roel Brouwers.

"The situation hasn't caught us entirely unawares," he said.

"We want to have three excellent centre-backs again next season and I don't have any worries in that respect.

"We found Dante and so we'll find someone who can replace him as well."