South Korean Kim Min-jae, Bayern Munich star, clarified his desire to stay with the Bundesliga giant, despite repeated speculations about the possibility of his transfer to Manchester United.
The Red Devils are considered a potential destination for the South Korean international player since he was at Napoli, but without making an official move to sign him.
Manchester United signed three new players during the current summer transfer window: André Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Karl Darlow.
Since joining Bayern, Kim has played in 116 matches for Bayern Munich over the past three years, but he has often had to sit behind Jonathan Tah and Dayot Upamecano in the center-back pecking order.
Kim Min-jae settles his future with Bayern Munich
As a result, the South Korean's name has been repeatedly linked with Manchester United, but the defender has clearly stated his position, expressing his desire to stay with the Bavarians for the time being.
Kim said in statements reported by the Daily Star: "As a player, just being with a club the size of Bayern Munich is a blessing. Last season, I played a large number of matches."
The Korean star added: "I am competing for the third defender spot behind Upamecano and Tah, and I know I have no choice but to work hard."
Kompany's stance on Kim Min-jae's departure
For his part, Bayern coach Vincent Kompany said: "We have always talked about how competition is something I personally prefer; it is something I know well and have experienced myself."
He continued: "I was in Min-jae's position, with Upamecano and Tah, all in the same period when I was at Manchester City as a defender. The most important thing is to have quality, and after that they have to compete to prove themselves on the pitch."
Kompany noted: "What I want to praise in Min-jae is that no matter the circumstances, he maintains his focus and speaks for himself on the pitch."
He went on: "In every situation, his reaction was appropriate. He had a great season with us last year. You can determine who is first, second, third, and fourth; people always make these rankings."
He concluded: "For me, and more importantly, given his outstanding performance, all the other players in the same position must also perform well, and that is what I want to maintain in the team, not only in the center-back position but in every position if possible."