Beckenbauer: Javi Martinez? Never heard of him

Aug 17, 2012 11:25:00 AM

The Germany legend has surprisingly stated that he does not know of the Spain international, but is confident he will do well at Bayern

Franz Beckenbauer has admitted that he has never heard of Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez, but is confident that he will prove to be a good signing for Bayern Munich.

The Spain international is continually being linked with a move to the Bundesliga giants, and club president Uli Hoeness recently gave the transfer the green light.

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"Javi Martinez? I do no know him. I have never seen him play," Beckenbauer told Sport1.

"But he must be good if Bayern are interested in signing him. He has to be a special player, or Bayern would not have been after him.

"Of course, he is pretty expensive. But what's the difference really when you're talking about €30 million or €40m? Bayern can afford a transfer like this."

Javi Martinez, 23, has a €40m buy-out clause in his contract with Bilbao, and Bayern are seemingly ready to splash the cash on the midfielder.

Bayern Munich won the DFL-Supercup against Borussia Dortmund on August 12, and begin their Bundesliga campaign against Greuther Furth on August 25.