Bundesliga record-man Javi Martinez wants to win titles with Bayern Munich

BARLIN - Agence France-Presse

Bayern sets a new German transfer record to sign midfielder Javi Martinez. AP photo

Spain midfielder Javier Martinez said yesterday he has signed for Bayern Munich to win titles as he looks forward to making his Champions League debut with the Bavarians.

The 23-year-old put his signature to a five-year contract with Bayern and his transfer from Athletic Bilbao has cost Munich 40 million euros, setting a new Bundesliga record.

“I am simply delighted to finally be here,” Martinez told German newspaper Bild yesterday. “This is one of the best teams in the whole world, at least one of the top two or three. It is a huge honor for me to be a part of this club.”

Brief appearances off the bench at South Africa 2010 and Euro 2012 mean Martinez already has World Cup and European Championships winners medals, but national coach Vicente del Bosque insists the defensive midfielder is in his plans.

Former Bayern president and Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer said he was excited about seeing Martinez play for Munich.

“I am very curious about this purchase,” the 66-year-old told Bild.