Mandzukic: I’m leaving

Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic has told a Croatian newspaper that he will be leaving the Bundesliga club this summer.

Despite ending last season as Bayern’s top scorer, the 28-year-old admits he cannot come to terms with the tactics employed by coach Pep Guardiola, who hinted at the player’s possible departure this summer by leaving him out of his squad for the DFB-Pokal final.

“No matter how hard I try, I can’t play my best football in this style,” Mandzukic said.

“If we’re honest, the style of play Guardiola has Bayern playing is not for me.

“If that’s how things are going to be, then I’m not happy and it’s best for everybody if we go separate ways.”

Mandzukic added that he does not have any problem personally with Guardiola, just that he is not suited to his preferred tactics of a false number nine.

“Guardiola is a fantastic coach and I wish him and everybody at the club all the best for the future,” Mandzukic added.

“I want to thank the club, who also had offered me a new contract.”