Bayern Munich head coach Hansi Flick says he can totally understand why reported Liverpool target Thiago Alcantara would want a move to the Premier League.
Thiago is out of contract next year and Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge last month confirmed the midfielder will leave the Bundesliga champions.
Liverpool are said to be eager to sign the former Barcelona man, while Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with the Spain international.
Bayern boss Flick suggested a switch to England is more likely for the 29-year-old and expressed his disappointment that he wants to depart.
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Flick told Sport1: I can understand when a player is concerned.
Thiago played in Spain for FC Barcelona and in the Bundesliga for FC Bayern Munich.
If he wants to try again in the Premier League now, I totally understand. But it would be a shame because Thiago gives our game that certain something.
That s why I would like, as a coach, to have him on the team for the next few years, but that s life. It would go on.
Thiago has claimed seven successive Bundesliga crowns, four DFB-Pokal titles, two DFL-Supercup honours and the Club World Cup trophy since arriving from Barca in 2013.
Bayern face Chelsea in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Saturday and hold a 3-0 lead from the first encounter at Stamford Bridge.