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Cape Town - Portuguese midfielder Renato Sanches claims he was approached by Premier League club Manchester United before deciding to sign with Bundesliga champions Bayern.
The 18-year-old is still on the books at Benfica, but will make the move to Germany as soon as the transfer window officially opens after an initial 35million euro fee, that could reportedly rise to as much as 80million euro, was agreed between the clubs two weeks ago.
Sanches revealed the Bavarians were not the only club courting his signature, with the Red Devils also making a bid, but said the similarities between Bayern and Benfica, as well as his desire to win trophies, made him choose the German outfit.
"Manchester United made a proposal, I think that is known," Sanches told reporters. "I chose Bayern because they are a big club and because of the similarities with Benfica.
"They have a stadium with a capacity for 65,000 people and the environment is very similar. I'm going to Bayern to win titles."
The young stars' breakthrough season with Benfica has also earned him a call-up to the Portugal squad for Euro 2016 in France next month and is determined to match coach Fernando Santos' ambition of winning the tournament.
"I tried my best for Benfica during the season and of course always had the thought of being called, but I was not expecting it," he said. "I was nervous, but it was a moment of great joy."
"It is normal for the coach to have ambition to win. Portugal has a great team. No one goes to the Euros to lose. We have to be focused," he added.
