Bayern goodbye for Lizarazu
Monday, April 19, 2004
Article summary
Bixente Lizarazu will leave FC Bayern München at the end of the season after failing to agree a new contract.
Article body
Impressive record
Lizarazu joined Bayern in 1997 from Athletic Club Bilbao and has been a key figure at the Olympiastadion ever since. The 34-year-old helped the club win Bundesliga titles in 1998/99, 1999/00, 2000/01 and 2002/03 as well as German Cups in 1997/98, 1999/00 and 2002/03. He was also in the team that won the UEFA Champions League in 2001.
Proud achievements
However, the left-back has decided to move on in the summer after contract talks failed to reach a satisfactory conclusion. "I have decided to leave Bayern when my contract is up in the summer," he said. "I am very proud of what I have achieved here because I won every important title available. I now hope to help another club with my experience."
'Sad to see him go'
Bayern coach Ottmar Hitzfeld said he would have liked to have kept Lizarazu for at least another year, but had to admit defeat. "We are very sad to see him go because he is a true professional," said Hitzfeld.
