LONDON, England, June 9-Mario Mandzukic has put several Premier League clubs on high alert after confirming he is looking to leave Bayern Munich in the off-season.
The Croatia international played a starring role in the Bavarians’ successful Bundesliga title defence, but was left out of their German Cup final success after expressing his desire to depart the Allianz Arena shortly before the encounter.
Mandzukic has since revealed manager Pep Guardiola’s tactics are behind his decision to leave, telling Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti: “I met with (Bayern chairman) Karl Heinz Rummenigge before the cup final and told him I wanted to leave the club.
“I’ve had a fantastic time at Bayern. It’s a great club and I never thought I’d want to leave, and especially not at this point in time.
“But, let’s be honest, I cannot play to my strengths under Guardiola’s style – no matter how hard I try.
“I realised that after the 1-0 defeat by Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg and, that being the case, it’s best for all parties that we go our separate ways.
“Guardiola is an outstanding coach and I wish him and everyone else at the club all the best in the future.
“Bayern and the club’s fans will remain the best and most emotional chapter in my career.”
