My idea was to stay in Madrid. Then, when I heard of Munich's interest, I said, 'Xabi, think what you want and where you will be happy.'
I took responsibility in Munich from the beginning. But I could not walk in with splayed elbows into the club and say, 'Here comes the Schalke captain.'
At least six Bayern players, who have won almost everything, are in the national squad.
I think that the Bayern coach is the second hardest job in Germany after the Chancellor.
The mentality of always wanting to win everything is in FC Bayern's DNA.
I appreciate that Bayern always wants to have the best German talents.
It's not only conceivable, but it's my goal to stay at Bayern for a long time - under the assumption that I play.
When I came to Bayern, I was a second-division player. For me it was a new world.
I went to the University of Minnesota, and I met this amazing artist named Cameron Boothe there who was in World War I, who studied with Hans Hoffman in Munich.
I came to Munich full of confidence, with plenty of energy, and really looking forward to it, in a way I don't think I'd had in my career before.
The money's there in England. They try to gather the best players. We do it differently here at Bayern. We have no investors, no owners.
Real Madrid are the biggest club in the world. They are a cut above Bayern.
FC Bayern is one of the best clubs in the world, and for me it's a dream come true to play here.
In 2006 I ended up at Chelsea on a free transfer, so Bayern did not see a euro for me.
I still remember, I think it was with the third movie, when we went to Munich and the entire Olympic stadium was filled with fans, and just to walk in there and do nothing.
Always, if you win prizes and are successful, of course expectations are higher, at Bayern especially.
It's no secret that the expectations are very high here at Bayern. We are under pressure all the time. But we've often proved we can deal with it.
I can imagine staying in Munich after the end of my career. I have bought a very nice house, I feel good here and I like the mentality.
Kandinsky in Munich uttered the well known words: 'Everything is permitted!' In 1961; we still live by this heritage, which in truth is inexhaustible.
I have made a big step forward since leaving Shakhtar for Bayern.
It can be dangerous to be too content, especially at a club like Bayern, where there is so much competition for places.
We are Bayern. We have the highest standards, and always want to win everything, so the Champions League is a very big target.
Giving in to the forces of low ambition would be an act of climate appeasement. This is our Munich moment.
At Bayern, the people in charge are football men. I always appreciated that.
At Munich we sold the Czechs for a few months grace, but the disgrace will last as long as history.
If you are at Bayern and lose to Dortmund, it is common that the media voices criticism.
I remember, with the third [Twilight] movie, when we went to Munich and the entire Olympic stadium was filled with fans. We walked in there and did nothing.
Bayern is always a team that can win the Champions League title in Europe.
I'm incredibly proud and happy to play for FC Bayern and to be a part of this family.
The Arab who built himself a hut with marbles from the temple of Palmyra is more philosophical than all the curators of the museums of London, Paris, and Munich.
If, as Bayern, you lose 2-0 at Hertha, nobody believes you that you can still be satisfied with the performance.
It's difficult to leave FC Bayern. Everything has to fall in place to top this club if I do it.
There were many good reasons to move to Bayern, and Pep Guardiola was definitely one of them.
Bayern could buy any No. 6 in the world, so that they want me is a great honour.
Klinsmann was the shining hero of the 2006 World Cup when Bayern took him on.
The stadium here in Munich is the best of the lot for me. It is absolutely fantastic, especially the way it lights up a different colour according to who is playing. It's superb
At Bayern you need other characteristics to assert yourself. Just being good is not enough there.
I have much to be grateful for at Bayern, and I feel super comfortable. I can't imagine being at another club.
I'm thinking about myself, I want to develop and I didn't have these possibilities at Bayern anymore. I'm very grateful to them.
Statistically, I've done my best work at FC Bayern. I just feel really good here.
In Germany there are only two dominating teams, Bayern and Dortmund. In England the top group is broader.
Chelsea are not made to play football. We're good on the counter, a little bit like Real against Bayern.
The stadium here in Munich is the best of the lot for me. It is absolutely fantastic, especially the way it lights up a different colour according to who is playing. It's superb.
Bayern will always have a place in my heart and what I need, I can accomplish here.
Bayern is an amazing club - I can imagine playing here for many years.
I am very happy in Munich and my family is totally settled - and now I have a son who is a genuine Bavarian.
When you've been Bayern for so long and it's your second home, moving away from here is not easy.
I wanted for nothing at Bayern, but the most important thing was always playing as much as I could.
Coming to Europe and winning the Champions League with a great club like Bayern is everything I can ask for.
I made a conscious decision to join Bayern because of the presence of Guardiola.
Madrid are a great club and were the challenge I sought after my long and successful Bayern career.
Bayern is a dream destination for every player, one of the best clubs in the world, a real machine.
I love to compete with the very best. That's why I feel great at FC Bayern.
I am very happy with my move to Bayern. As a kid I always dreamed of such a moment.
Bayern are a club where success is demanded, and second place isn't particularly appreciated. We have a history and culture to respect.
I feel completely contented at Bayern - one of the biggest clubs in the world.
I've done a good job at Bayern, with Guardiola, and I have evolved a lot tactically.
I have a really good relationship with Bayern. I might become a coach after retirement, but with the youth teams.
I have many friends in Madrid and, therefore, know that they have a lot of respect for Bayern.
Munich is a great city. I have lived in many cities in Europe, but I have never felt this comfortable, and my wife and children love it as well.
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