Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was among those to wish Marc Roca the best of luck as he swapped the Bundesliga champions for Leeds United. The move was completed and announced on Friday afternoon with the Whites paying a fee of around £10m for his services.
The Spaniard’s time at the Allianz Arena did not pan out as he may have expected with first-team opportunities extremely limited. Although, he still had nothing but good things to say about the last two years of his career.
Roca was unfortunate to find himself behind one the world’s best defensive midfielders, Josh Kimmich, in Bavaria. Dependent on movements in the transfer market over the next couple of months, he may find himself in a similar predicament behind Kalvin Phillips but more game time at Elland Road is guaranteed.
READ MORE: Bayern Munich Sporting Director 'convinced' Marc Roca will be a success at Leeds United
Once the deal had been confirmed, Roca took to social media to address everyone at his former club. His statement read: “The time has come to say goodbye to what has been my home the last two years. Defending the badge and playing at the Allianz Arena is something I will never forget.
“I want to thank the fans for all the support and affection they have always shown. Also for the personal and professional treatment I have received from all the people who make the day-to-day life of FCBayern players easier. I am and will always be proud of having defended the FCBayern shirt and having been linked with the values that this magnificent club transmits.
“I take with me 2 Bundesligas, 1 Club World Cup and 1 German Super Cup. But the most important things I take with me are great friends, unforgettable experiences, personal and professional growth and that victory lies in perseverance, hard work and never giving up.
“I leave Munich but Bayern will stay with me forever. MIA SAN MIA.”
A few of his former team mates responded to the statement on Instagram. Manuel Neuer commented “All the best!” while Joshua Zirkzee echoed the same sentiment. Alex Serrano and Borja Mayoral, with whom Roca played with for Espanyol and Spain Under-21s respectively, were also among those to wish him luck in the Premier League.
