Xabi Alonso of Bayern Munich attends the Oktoberfest beer festival in Munich, October 5, 2014. Millions of beer drinkers from around the world came to the Bavarian capital in the last two weeks for the Oktoberfest.
Xabi Alonso of Bayern Munich attends the Oktoberfest beer festival in Munich, October 5, 2014. Millions of beer drinkers from around the world came to the Bavarian capital in the last two weeks for the Oktoberfest. REUTERS/Alexander Hassenstein/

Bayern Munich veteran midfielder Xabi Alonso revealed that a change in environment was the primary reason why he opted not to make a switch to Premier League giants like Chelsea and Manchester United.

The 32-year-old served as Anfield's midfield machine alongside Steven Gerrard for five seasons before moving to Real Madrid in 2009.

"I had the chance to go to another top club in another league," he said.

"It was maybe the last time to have experience something new. That's why I took a few days to make up my mind and I talked about it with Madrid, who were very understanding."

"I'll always be very thankful to the club. Maybe the decision came late, but that's how it was."

Meanwhile, he clarified that the influx of new blood to the Blancos squad during the summer transfer window had nothing to do with his move.

"People talk a lot. I wanted a fresh start, in a new city. I felt it was the best thing for my career," he added.

"It didn't have anything to do with new players arriving because I knew Ancelotti had faith in me and I was going to play an important role."

"There was absolutely nothing I didn't like at Madrid. It was just that I wanted and needed something new."

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