Eric Dier (31) leaves the team after a brief stint with Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich). He announced his move to AS Monaco directly.

German news agency 'DPA' reported on the 12th (Korean time) that "Dier has confirmed his departure from Bayern to join Monaco. He stated that he will join the French club Monaco after finishing the season in which he became the Bundesliga champion."

Dier's contract with Bayern will expire at the end of this season. He is now set to join Monaco as a free agent. According to various media outlets including 'Sky Sports' Germany, both sides have already finalized a three-year contract, reportedly including an extension option.

In fact, Bayern also wanted to re-sign Dier. He joined Bayern on a surprising loan last January after leaving Tottenham, and he performed above expectations. Under coach Thomas Tuchel, he partnered with Matthijs de Ligt, pushing Kim Min-jae to the bench.

This season, the situation changed with the arrival of new manager Vincent Kompany. He once again relied on the speedy duo of Kim Min-jae and Dayot Upamecano, and Dier found it difficult to get playing time. Nevertheless, Dier fulfilled his backup role diligently while awaiting his opportunity and started in the second half of the season as teammates were sidelined one after another. He performed well on the field, satisfying coach Kompany.

The Bayern board, which had considered offloading Dier, also changed its mind. Director Max Eberl praised Dier, saying, "Dier proved how stable he is after Upamecano got injured. He is a key player." Coach Kompany also publicly praised Dier's mentality and skill. The possibility of a re-signing increased.

However, Dier rejected Bayern's two-year offer. He opted to join Monaco, who offered a longer contract, marking his first challenge in the French league. Bayern director Christoph Freund also publicly acknowledged the farewell, stating, "We discussed re-signing Dier, but he stated he would be leaving the team."

In terms of playing time, Monaco was indeed a good choice. According to German 'Kicker', Bayern said it could not guarantee Dier consistent first-team appearances.

Ultimately, he decided on Monaco, knowing that staying at Bayern would likely mean remaining a rotational player. Since Monaco will also participate in the UEFA Champions League next season, it is possible that Dier will face Bayern as an opponent.

Now, Dier has also announced his move to Monaco directly. After enjoying the championship celebration following the match against Mönchengladbach on the 11th, he stated, "Since I'm speaking now, it seems like it's an official announcement. Monaco was the club that had the best discussions with me and ultimately put in the most effort to sign me."

Dier added, "I felt that Monaco was the only club that was not considering any other situation but to sign me. They truly wanted me. I'm really grateful. They did everything they could to bring me in."

The Bayern club also bid farewell to Dier. Before the kickoff of his final home game against Mönchengladbach, they officially expressed gratitude for his dedication during his time with the club. Dier remarked that he was only thinking about the farewell from Thomas Müller, saying, "I am very grateful. Moreover, I appreciate the way the club treated me while I was here."

Meanwhile, during the championship celebration, Dier and Kim Min-jae showed their friendship by playfully urging each other on. As the award ceremony progressed and Harry Kane lifted the Meisterschale (Bundesliga trophy), Serge Gnabry and Kim Min-jae came forward, seemingly signaling, 'Next is your turn,' pulling Dier up. Following his 'buddy' Kane, Dier raised his first trophy in his life high in the air.

Dier did not forget about Kim Min-jae. He literally grabbed Kim Min-jae's collar and urged him to step forward, making Kim Min-jae burst out laughing. As Kim Min-jae remained in place, Dier nudged him again, with Müller and Kane joining in to help.

Eventually, Kim Min-jae could no longer resist and stepped out to the front of the podium, holding the shield trophy. Although he was pushed out, the ceremony was proper. After a moment of hesitation to prank his teammates, Kim Min-jae raised the trophy high and roared.

Kim Min-jae has now earned his fourth career championship. He has won the K League twice, and after winning Serie A during his time at Napoli, he has now achieved a Bundesliga title. Kim Min-jae is the first Korean player to conquer two leagues among the top five leagues in Europe.

[Photo] Bayern Munich, Bundesliga, Sky Sports, Dream Team social media.

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