Bayern Munich have confirmed they have agreed a deal with Schalke to sign goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Rummenigge happy to sign one of the world's best goalkeepers
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is looking forward to the challenge of playing for Bayern Munich after it was confirmed that a deal has been agreed with Schalke.
The Germany international will undergo a medical and sign a five-year contract at the Allianz Arena when he returns from international duty next week.
Neuer, 25, said: "I am really looking forward to this huge and exciting challenge at Bayern.
"Many of my international team-mates will be my team-mates in Munich. Therefore I won't be going into a new environment and will certainly settle in quickly."
Happy
Bayern and Schalke have signed an agreement which will see Neuer join the Bavarians on 1st July.
Neuer's switch to Bayern was one of the worst kept secrets in European football after he confirmed he would not extend his contract at Schalke, but said he wanted to remain in the Bundesliga.
The goalkeeper's contract expired next summer and Schalke could not afford to let him leave on a free transfer.
He was linked with a move to Manchester United after his heroics in Schalke's UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg defeat to the English champions, but that never looked likely.
Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: "Bayern are very happy in Manuel Neuer to have signed for the long term not only the Germany No.1, but also one of the best goalkeepers in the world."
Difficult decision
"This was a difficult decision for all those involved, because in Manuel Neuer the club are losing an outstanding player in every respect," said Schalke general manager and board member Horst Heldt.
"But we have now finally decided to accept Bayern's offer, because given the circumstances it is the best solution for Schalke. We also promised Manuel we would honour his wish to be able to move on in the summer.
"Even though it will certainly hurt almost all Schalke supporters to the soul to lose such a role model, we should not forget the great things Manuel Neuer has achieved at the club.
"In sporting terms, he had a huge role in the success of the last five years, this season in winning the DFB-Pokal and in reaching the Champions League semi-finals for the first time."
