John Heitinga keen on Bayern move
Everton defender John Heitinga has revealed that he is open to joining German Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in the future. The Dutchman said that he would love to transfer to Germany if given a chance.
"I have to admit that I feel flattered that I'm being linked with a big club such as Bayern Munich though. I'd definitely be interested in joining them. They play Champions League football and I'm still
eligible to play in the competition, since we don't play European football with Everton," he said to
Voetbal International.
"Every footballer wants to reach the top and I'm already 27 years old. So this could be the right moment. You never know what will happen, especially in the world of football."
Heitinga is also hoping to be reunited with Bayern manager Louis van Gaal, who coached him at Ajax in 2004.
Heitinga, however, clarified that he has yet to receive any formal offer from Bayern.
"It’s hard for me to say how serious the reported interest is at the moment. I know that Bayern haven’t approached Everton yet and they haven’t contacted me either," he said.
Heitinga's desire to play elsewhere was expected as he has played limited minutes in the English Premier League this season. The Dutch international has featured only in four matches and has yet to play
a full match this year since returning from the FIFA World Cup.
Heitinga was earlier rumoured to have attracted officials from Manchester City but no transaction took place. Wolfsburg also showed interest in signing the veteran defender during the August transfer window.
The Bundesliga squad are still reportedly interested on Heitinga and will likely make an offer when the transfer window opens next year.
Heitinga, a member of two World Cup squads, started his professional career with Ajax in 2001 and played there until 2008. He then transferred to Spanish La Liga club Athletico Madrid before moving to
Everton the following year.
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