Javi Martínez leaves Bilbao for Bayern

FC Bayern München have announced that they have signed Javi Martínez from Athletic Club after triggering a €40m buy-out clause in the Spanish international's contract.

"I am very happy and look forward to playing for a club with such a great history," said the 23-year-old, who has agreed a contract until June 2017. "I have been waiting for this move for a long time, but finally that wait is over. Bayern are one of the best teams in Europe, if not the entire world. It is a big motivation for me to play for a team with so many great players. Of course, I want to win trophies here."

A European champion with Spain's Under-19 and U21 sides, the holding midfielder and central defender has been capped eight times at senior level and was a member of his country's triumphant UEFA EURO 2012 squad. Martínez also played a major role in Athletic's run to the UEFA Europa League final in May, which ended in a 3-0 defeat by Club Atlético de Madrid. He made a total of 201 Liga appearances for the San Mamés outfit, scoring 22 goals, following his debut in 2006.

Bayern enter the UEFA Champions League in the group stage after finishing second in the Bundesliga in 2011/12.