|
Joshua Kimmich has vowed to stay at Bayern Munich despite reports of a move a way from the Allianz Arena this summer. Kimmich, 22, made 36 appearances in his debut season playing in a variety of positions under Pep Guardiola after joining for €7.5 million from VfB Stuttgart in 2015. However, he has struggled to hold down a starting place under Carlo Ancelotti, prompting the transfer speculation. "It's a fact I don't want to leave Bayern Munich," Kimmich told reporters on Wednesday. "It's not only conceivable, but it's my goal to stay at Bayern for a long time -- under the assumption that I play." Kimmich has made 38 appearances in all competitions this season under Ancelotti, including 18 as substitute. "I'm not happy with the season I've had," Kimmich admitted, adding he had spoken to the Bayern boss about his standing at the club. "I want to impose myself at Bayern. I want become an important player for the club and for the team. I want to be a regular member of the side. "Of course, I would prefer to play 35 or 40 games at right-back and not endure another season like this in midfield." Kimmich has been linked to a move to Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, as well as both Manchester United and Manchester City. In addition, a Stuttgart newspaper had reported he will leave the club at the end of the season. However, Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge called the reports "a monstrous fallacy" and vowed to take legal action against the paper. "That report is simply false," Rummenigge said. "There is no truth in this story. Joshua has a contract with Bayern until 2020 and will definitely still play for Bayern next season. I am convinced we haven't reached the end of the line yet. I can imagine him staying at Bayern for many years to come. "We all have complete faith in him, including our coach [Carlo Ancelotti]. Everyone has declared he will be Philipp Lahm's successor next season." Despite his struggles at club level, Kimmich has played in every minute of Germany's previous 12 internationals, predominately at right-back.
|
