Toni drops Bayern move hint

Thursday 11 June 2009 11:40 BST
Comments
(GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Bayern Munich's Italian striker Luca Toni has admitted that he may leave the German giants this summer, amid talk of interest from Barcelona.

The 32-year-old will face added competition for a starting spot at Bayern due to the arrivals of Mario Gomez and Ivica Olic and Toni accepts that he may have to move on.

He told told La Gazzetta dello Sport: "Barca have the best team in the world and I am honoured that they are seriously interested in me.

"I am still under contract, I know, but Mario Gomez is about to arrive from Stuttgart and he is an extremely good striker.

"We will have four strikers next season and that is quite a lot.

"I am not sure if I will be staying at Bayern and I will definitely have to talk to the club about this."

Meanwhile, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez appears to have given up hope of prising France ace Franck Ribery away from Bayern this summer.

He told a Spanish TV station: "Ribery belongs to Bayern and Bayern do not want to sell him.

"I have to respect what the club want, but it would be a different matter if they were to change their opinion."

Elsewhere, reports in the Netherlands suggest Orlando Engelaar will be leaving Schalke this summer.

The 29-year-old Dutch international made 29 appearances for the Bundesliga side last term following his transfer from Twente but, according to De Telegraaf, new Schalke coach Felix Magath is willing to let him move on this summer.

Engelaar impressed at Euro 2008 but endured a frustrating campaign with Schalke, spending much of the second half of the season on the substitute's bench.

Ajax, PSV Eindhoven and Panathinaikos have all been linked with the midfielder who will be allowed to leave Schalke on loan if a permanent transfer cannot be finalised.

Serbia international Marko Pantelic has no intention of still being with Hertha Berlin when the new Bundesliga season starts in just over eight weeks' time.

Although the 30-year-old had an excellent scoring record with Hertha, finding the net 46 times in only 106 starts, his spat with coach Lucien Favre has proved to be irreparable.

Pantelic's agent, Vlado Borozan, was quoted in Calcio Mercato as saying: "Marko is currently on international duty, but he has already said that he wants to leave the club in July.

"He has already made up his mind, but I cannot say where he will be playing his football next season. However, he won't move to Italy."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in