Gladbach defender Dante to join Bayern Munich
Reuters - Thursday 26 April 2012, 09:17
Borussia Monchengladbach's
Dante will join Champions League finalists Bayern Munich at the
end of the season after signing a four-year contract, the
Bundesliga clubs said on Thursday.
"We are delighted that Dante is coming to us," said Bayern
sports director Christian Nerlinger. "He is a very good and
prominent Bundesliga player who will help us reach our goals in
the coming four years."
The Brazilian, who joined Gladbach in 2009 from Belgium's
Standard Liege, quickly earned a starting spot at the heart of
the Germans' defence and was key in their fine Bundesliga season
that has seen them battle for a Champions League place.
Little known in his native Brazil, the 28-year-old also
scored crucial goals last season that helped Gladbach stay up
following a relegation play-off.
Bayern, who had Daniel van Buyten ruled out for much of this
season, had been looking for a reliable central defender for
months.
"Bayern are one of the world's... biggest clubs and there I
can have the chance to play at the very highest of levels and
win titles," Dante said in a statement.
"I am now 28 years old and want to take that next step in my
career."
He has played 91 league games for Gladbach, scoring eight
times.