By Fitzgerald Cecilio

Munich, Germany

Bayern Munich has acquired midfielder Javi Martinez from Athletic Bilbao after shelling out a $50 million transfer fee, the richest in the 50-year history of the Bundesliga.

The 23-year-old midfielder later signed a five-year deal with Bayern Munich after the record-setting transfer, which eclipsed the previous mark in 2009 when Bayern purchased the services of Mario Gomez from VfB Stuttgart in 2009.

Back then, Bayern reportedly paid between $37.5 million to $43.8 million to acquire Gomez.

"I'm very happy and really looking forward to playing for a club with this extraordinary history," Martinez said. "I've had to wait a long time for this, but the waiting is over at last."

Martinez played 201 games for Athletic Bilbao and was a key member of the team that made it to the finals of last season's Europa League. During his stint with Athletic, Martinez scored 22 goals.

Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge explained the transfer process was very tedious and complicated as Athletic Bilbao refused to cooperate from the very first day.

Rummenigge also defended the amount of money involved in the deal, saying Martinez played a big part by giving up a large part of his salary.

"Of course this is a large sum but the player plays an indirect part in it by giving up a large chunk of his salary," Rummenigge said.

Martinez will be introduced by Bayern at a news conference in Munich Thursday.

"Bayern are one of the best teams in Europe and throughout the world. There are so many top players here who play fantastic football -- that's a big motivation for me," Martinez said. "And, of course I want to win the title."

Coach Jupp Heynckes will decide if Martinez plays this weekend against Stuttgart.

"However, he has demonstrated in recent days the fact he is a strong personality, and he has already shown a remarkable affinity with Bayern," Rummenigge said.

 

Bayern Munich Snares Javi Martinez for Record $50M Transfer Fee