Bayern Munich defender Mehdi Benatia has spoken for the first time since leaving Roma, stating the club wanted to keep their star performer but also needed the funds from the transfer.
The 27 year old was linked with a host of top European clubs including Real Madrid and Manchester City before opting for the German champions and concluding a transfer in August for a fee of €26 million.
“I spoke with Sabatini and he told me that the intention of the club was to keep me, but who also needed to raise cash,” the Moroccan international spoke to Moroccan Kicker about his exit from the Italian capital.
“That was one thing that bothered me. I wanted to stay. I tried Chelsea and City, but there were also contacts with Barcelona and Real Madrid. However, I am happy to be at Bayern.”
The former Giallorossi and Udinese hero was influential as Roma tore up the record books last season, racking up 10 straight wins – an all time Serie A record.
