BERLIN – Bayern Munich captain Mark van Bommel has joined Serie A leaders AC Milan after losing his starting place with the German champions this season, the clubs said on Tuesday. “Captain Mark van Bommel is joining AC Milan effective immediately,” Bayern said in a statement.
“The Dutch international asked for his contract to become void to transfer for sporting reasons.” The 33-year-old midfielder has signed a short-term
deal until June, injury-hit Milan said on their website (www.acmilan.com). The Dutch international, who joined Bayern from Barcelona in 2006 after winning the Champions League, had dropped down the pecking order under coach Louis van Gaal with the arrival of Brazilian Luiz Gustavo in January further hampering his chances.
“I leave Bayern with a heavy heart but my head held high,” said Van Bommel, who won two German championships and Cups and reached last year’s Champions League final before playing at the World Cup where Netherlands reached
the final. “I spent four and a half happy and successful years (at Bayern) and would like to thank the club and the fans. Bayern will always occupy a big place in my heart,” he said.
Milan are hoping he will provide some solutions to their injury crisis in midfield although Van Bommel is ineligible to play for the Italians in this season’s Champions League having already featured for Bayern in the group stage.
