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Matthijs de Ligt says the respect he was paid by Bayern Munich bosses convinced him to join them from Juventus for a reported £68million.
The Dutchman, 22, swapped Ajax for Turin in 2019 and has firmly established himself as one of the world’s best young defenders.
De Ligt has now agreed a five-year contract with Bayern and is set to partner Dayot Upamecano, 23, at the heart of what the Bundesliga outfit hope will be a rock-solid backline for years to come.
After completing his move, he said: “I’m very happy to become a player for this great club.
“Bayern are the most successful club in Germany, one of the most successful clubs in Europe and in the world.
“I felt the genuine appreciation from the sporting management, the coach and the board right from the start, which convinced me.
“On top of that, Bayern are a brilliantly run club with big aims. I’m very glad that I’m now becoming part of the story.”
Their new recruit brings plenty of experience to the Allianz Arena having racked up 234 first-team appearances for Ajax and Juve as well as 38 Netherlands caps.
The Bavarian giants have dominated the German top flight and secured an astonishing 10th title in a row last season.
Robert Lewandowski has left for Barcelona but with De Ligt and Sadio Mane arriving, Bayern are well positioned to continue their domestic success and make a challenge in Europe.
