Xabi Alonso has completed a £5million move to Bayern Munich from Real Madrid.
Alonso, who retired from Spain duty on Wednesday following World Cup 2014's group stage exit, had been with the reigning European champions since joining for an undisclosed fee from Liverpool five years ago.
Earlier this summer Madrid had brought on board Toni Kroos from Bayern and James Rodriguez from Monaco as midfield options, prompting Alonso to request a transfer late in the window after losing his starting berth.
The former Liverpool midfielder had been linked with a move to Manchester United after five years at the Bernabeu, but will now link up with Spanish compatriot Pep Guardiola.
The 32-year-old will provide cover for the German champions after injuries to Javi Martinez, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Thiago Alcantara.
The La Liga giants sanctioned Alonso's departure following the arrival of former Bayern midfielder Toni Kroos.Munich's sporting director Matthias Sammer believes Alonso will give Bayern new options, saying: 'If that will work, I would have a very good feeling for the club and the coach.
'After the injuries of Thiago and Schweinsteiger we have been looking for someone, who could help us immediately. And Xabi Alonso could play on top level for two years.
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