Altintop agrees to Bayern move

Moving on
The versatile 24-year-old stated his aim to leave the Bundesliga leaders last week after turning down Schalke's offer of a new deal. Although Altıntop refused to reveal his intended destination at the time, it came as little surprise when it emerged the Turkish international would be going to Bayern in the close season.

Three-year deal
"I have decided to accept Bayern's three-year offer," said Altıntop on Wednesday. "Schalke have made that decision easy for me in recent weeks, as I haven't started on a regular basis despite playing well. I want to become a leader at Bayern, which will be the next stepping stone in my career." The move was welcomed by Bayern coach Ottmar Hitzfeld who, after comparing him to Juventus-bound Hasan Salihamidžić, said: "He is a team player, he has good stamina and can play in defensive or attacking roles."

High hopes
"I have learned a lot here at Schalke, and there have been ups and downs that have helped me develop," said Altıntop, who arrived in Gelsenkirchen from third division outfit SG Wattenscheid 09 in 2003. He has since played 101 times in the Bundesliga, scoring eight goals, and has appeared in 19 of Schalke's 20 league games this term. However, he has made just eight starts as his side have soared to the top of the German top flight. "I want to go out on a high," he added. "I want to leave Schalke with the league title."