Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge aimed a dig at David Alaba after the defender quit the German champions to join Real Madrid.
The 28-year-old has joined Los Blancos on a free transfer, signing a five-year contract and will link up with his new club after the Euros.
Rummenigge, who is stepping down from his role on June 30, admitted he was upset to lose Alaba but the club simply could not match the terms offered by the Spanish giants.
He told Kicker magazine: ‘I think very few people in this existential crisis understand when a professional footballer already earns 15 million a year and then is not satisfied with 19.5 million.’
When asked whether he meant Alaba, Rummenigge said: “We generally have to find a balance between the base and the economic component, we mustn’t forget the football fan just because they haven’t been to the stadium for a year. Football has always had a connecting element. ”
Alaba joined Bayern in 2008 and spent 13 years with the German giants, winning an astonishing 27 trophies during his time at the Allianz Arena including 10 Bundesliga titles and two Champions Leagues.
A number of Premier League clubs were keen on acquiring the Austrian’s services, but Alaba insists that the Bernabeu was always his preferred destination.
‘I wasn’t approached by many clubs, but Real Madrid were at the top of my list. Alaba told German newspaper Bild.
‘Like Bayern Munich, they are one of the biggest clubs in the world, with a special history and tradition.
‘There have been so many great players in Real Madrid’s history and so many great victories and trophies.
‘I want to join and continue this successful story with the club and the fans.
‘It will be a new chapter in life for my family and for me. I want to develop personally and professionally, and that’s precisely why I’m coming to Madrid.’
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