Morocco international Mehdi Benatia is already relishing the opportunity of leaving his dream at Bayern Munich and working under manager Pep Guardiola.
The German champions and Serie A club Roma have agreed a fee for the transfer of the 27-year-old central defender.
Premier League club Manchester United were also keen on signing Benatia, who is now set to pen a five-year contract on completing his medical at the Allianz Arena in the coming days.
“I’m delighted that my transfer to Bayern has finally come off,” he told Sport1 television. “It dragged out a bit and there were times when I thought it might fall through.
“But Guardiola desperately wanted me and I’m really looking forward to working with him. He’s a fantastic trainer.”
Spanish boss Guardiola moved for Benatia after Javi Martinez tore his cruciate knee ligaments during the German Supercup defeat to Borussia Dortmund, leaving them short of options in the defence.
Daniel van Buyten left the Bavarians last summer, leaving the the fit-again Holger Badstuber, Jerome Boateng and Dante as the few options available for selection, while Rafinha is among a lengthy list of players currently sidelined.
But the new signing, who has 31 Morocco caps, is excited about working with a host of star names at the club.
“Bayern have so many great players,” he said. “They have such a strong squad and it’s a dream to be part of it.”
