France World Cup winner Lucas Hernandez says he has made the most difficult decision of his career to date by opting to leave Atletico Madrid.
The versatile 23-year-old defender had been offered an extension to his current contract by Los Rojiblancos, but has decided not to sign on and instead he will head to Bayern Munich this summer.
This is the most difficult and important decision I've ever had to make in my career.
Lucas Hernandez
However, having spent more than a decade in the Spanish capital, Hernandez says his final decision was not an easy one to make.
He told Atleti's official website: "This is the most difficult and important decision I've ever had to make in my career. Atletico means a lot to me, because this is where I grew as a footballer and as a person.
"Saying no to Atletico was extremely hard, but I've decided to seek a new challenge at Bayern Munich.
"I want to thank everyone at Atletico, the officials, coaches, team-mates and fans. These 12 years have been incredible and unforgettable and Atletico will always be in my heart."
Hernandez is currently sidelined by a knee injury which will require surgery, so he may have already played his last game for the La Liga outfit.
Meanwhile, following the international break, Atleti return to action on Saturday when they visit Alaves, who are unbeaten in their last five league games.
The visitors can be backed at 7/10 to win the game at the Mendizorrotza, with Atleti 4/1 to secure a 1-0 victory, while loan striker Alvaro Morata is priced at 7/4 to score at any time in the game - having netted five times in his last six appearances for club and country.
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France World Cup winner Lucas Hernandez says he has made the most difficult decision of his career to date by opting to leave Atletico Madrid.
The versatile 23-year-old defender had been offered an extension to his current contract by Los Rojiblancos, but has decided not to sign on and instead he will head to Bayern Munich this summer.
This is the most difficult and important decision I've ever had to make in my career.
Lucas Hernandez
However, having spent more than a decade in the Spanish capital, Hernandez says his final decision was not an easy one to make.
He told Atleti's official website: "This is the most difficult and important decision I've ever had to make in my career. Atletico means a lot to me, because this is where I grew as a footballer and as a person.
"Saying no to Atletico was extremely hard, but I've decided to seek a new challenge at Bayern Munich.
"I want to thank everyone at Atletico, the officials, coaches, team-mates and fans. These 12 years have been incredible and unforgettable and Atletico will always be in my heart."
Hernandez is currently sidelined by a knee injury which will require surgery, so he may have already played his last game for the La Liga outfit.
Meanwhile, following the international break, Atleti return to action on Saturday when they visit Alaves, who are unbeaten in their last five league games.
The visitors can be backed at 7/10 to win the game at the Mendizorrotza, with Atleti 4/1 to secure a 1-0 victory, while loan striker Alvaro Morata is priced at 7/4 to score at any time in the game - having netted five times in his last six appearances for club and country.
View all Soccer betting
Source: bet365.com