David Alaba says he leaves Bayern Munich with his head held high.

Off contract in June, the Austria captain is expected to join Real Madrid this summer.

He explained his decison to leave Bayern, stating: "It is always difficult when the moment of the end comes and it is no secret that I have always felt very comfortable here.

"Of course I leave Bayern with a tear in my eyes, but at the same time I am happy for my future. It was not a decision against the club.

"I made the decision for myself. I wanted to do something new and take a step forward. To grow, you have to get out of your 'comfort zone', and I put this in quotes because I don't want it to be misunderstood.

"At Bayern sporting expectations are always extreme, whether they come from those responsible for the club, in the dressing room or from yourself. I mean that one has to go into the unknown to mature again."