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Holger Badstuber seeks foreign switch after Bayern Munich release

Holger Badstuber is seeking a new challenge outside of Bundesliga when he leaves Bayern Munich this summer, the former Germany defender has told Socrates magazine.

Badstuber, 28, has been heavily affected by injuries since late 2012 and, despite returning to full fitness last season, he was sent out on loan to Schalke and Bayern announced that he would be leaving the Allianz Arena when his contract expires at the end of this month.

Asked about a move abroad, he said: "My feeling says yes.

"My attitude and my development have come to a stage where I want to open a new chapter, tick off the past few years and look ahead. I am convinced something very good is waiting for me."

Badstuber, who has spent the last 15 years at Bayern, added he would love to "develop in another country, maybe learn a new language" and explained that he's convinced he still has "a few year at top level" in him.

Prior to his loan move to Schalke, sources told ESPN FC that Manchester City were interested in Badstuber.

City boss Pep Guardiola then said: "I know Holger, he's a fantastic player, a fantastic guy, but he's a Bayern Munich player, and we should first of all speak with them and with him."