Hargreaves set to stay at Bayern
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Owen Hargreaves is ready to shun the overtures of his England team-mates and commit his future to Bayern Munich.
The 21-year-old has said he has been sounded out by members of the England squad with a view to switching the Bundesliga for the Premiership. But the Canadian-born midfielder, who qualifies to play for England because his father was born in Bolton, has some bad news for would-be suitors – he is happy at Bayern and believes a move to England would be a step down.
In an interview with the German sports magazine Sportbild, Hargreaves said: "I've talked to many players. They tell me nice things about their clubs. Many players have contacted me on this issue, saying I should play in England, so that the English fans and the coaches could watch me play.
"That would be the only way to keep a starting spot on the national team. But why should I swap sides? Bayern Munich are the best club in the world. Much better than every good club in England."
Despite revealing his contentment at the Olympiastadion, Hargreaves is not about to sell himself short in Munich. Bild report that one of the player's agents has met with the Bayern officials to discuss a possible contract extension that would tie him to the club until 2008. But Hargreaves, whose current deal runs out on June 30, 2004, said there is still some way to go before an agreement is reached.
"There are a lot of things to talk about. If I extend my contract over four more years, you have to give it a lot of thought. It's my future."
Hargreaves helped Bayern win the Champions' League in 2001 and, despite his career in Germany, made his England debut against the Netherlands last year. His contribution to England's World Cup campaign in Japan and South Korea ended when he was injured in the 1-0 defeat of Argentina.
* The United States international defender Frankie Hejduk has joined St Gallen on a free transfer from the German side Bayer Leverkusen.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments