Real Madrid centre-back David Alaba has insisted that his move to Spain has not diminished his love for Bayern Munich.
Alaba snubbed the offer of a new contract with the German giants and ended his 13-year association with the club to join Real on a free transfer, and he angered plenty of Bayern fans when he was pictured kissing the Real badge during his presentation.
He was quizzed on the photo by Bild's Bayern Insider podcast, during which Alaba stressed Bayern fans should not read too much into his actions.
“It doesn't mean that I no longer love Bayern," he said. "It was just a very special day for me. It was the beginning of a new stage, but I didn't want to provoke the Bayern fans at all. I spent 13 wonderful years there.
“I will always be grateful to the fans and the club for giving me the opportunity to develop as a person and a player. Munich became my second home. I did not want to hurt anyone’s feelings.”
He also discussed his feelings towards the cities of Madrid and Munich, adding: "Madrid cannot be compared to Munich. It has become my second home and I will always keep it in my heart."
Alaba has featured six times for Real so far, impressing at the back and even chipping in with two assists for good measure, and he admitted he is enjoying working under former Bayern boss Carlo Ancelotti once again.
"Working with him is fantastic," he continued. "In Munich we had a very good relationship and the desire and enthusiasm he conveys in each training session has not changed."
After using him as a left-back early on in the season, Ancelotti has voiced a desire to keep Alaba as a centre-back for the foreseeable future - a promise which injuries to Marcelo and Ferland Mendy have made hard to keep.
This article was originally published on 90min as David Alaba explains decision to kiss Real Madrid badge in presentation.
Source: www.90min.com