'Dream come true' - Joao Palhinha speaks out after finally completing €50m transfer from Bayern Munich to Fulham

Palhinha has finally completed his long-awaited move to Bayern Munich. The midfielder came close to a transfer to the Bavarian giants last summer only to see it collapse on deadline-day. The 29-year-old went on to spend the season with Fulham but has now said his goodbyes and finally been granted his dream transfer.

Palhinha had attracted interest from a host of other clubs after impressing for Fulham but made it clear that Munich was his top destination. He now joins Michael Olise in swapping the Premier League for Bayern this summer as the club look to strengthen their squad ahead of the start of the new season.

Sporting director Max Eberl said: "João Palhinha was highly sought after by FC Bayern even last summer -- and rightly so. It was important that we never lost touch. Joao really wanted to come to Bayern, and we need players like that. He's an important building block for our future. He's once again demonstrated his strengths on the big stage at the Euros and brings a lot of experience, having previously played at a Euros and World Cup, and making around 300 appearances in the Portuguese and English leagues. He will give us greater stability in the centre."

He told the club's media: "This is one of the happiest days of my life. I'm now playing for one of the top clubs in Europe. It's a dream come true for me, and I'm very proud of that. I'm looking forward to the atmosphere and the fans at the Allianz Arena. I want to enjoy success with FC Bayern and win titles -- I'll give it my all."

New Bayern boss Vincent Kompany is preparing for his first season in charge of Bayern after taking over as manager. The Bavarian side will be eager to reclaim their Bundesliga title after missing out last season as Bayer Leverkusen finished top of the pile and will hope Palhinha can play a key role.