Bayern Munich's Thiago says he will not follow Pep Guardiola

Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara has insisted his future at the club has nothing to do with Pep Guardiola, the man who brought him to Germany in 2013 and fostered his growth at Barcelona before that.

"I am not dependent on Pep," Thiago said in an interview with German magazine Sport Bild, as translated by DW Sports. "He is a great coach, but I do not need to take the same path as him. I am staying in Munich independent from Pep."

Thiago arrived at Bayern in July 2013, Guardiola's first signing after ending his sabbatical to take the manager's job. Prior to the move, Guardiola had eased Thiago, a La Masia graduate, into the Barcelona lineup.

"He is the only player I want. It'll be him or no one," Guardiola said of his understudy at the time.

Injuries have since hindered the progress of the 24-year-old Spaniard - his right knee has been a problem for years - but he recently signed a contract extension with the club until 2019.

Thiago appreciates the faith Bayern and its directors showed in him, despite the lack of fitness or consistent playing time.

"Why should I follow Pep? I extended my contract here with Bayern because I am happy," Thiago said. "I am very thankful of the club and how they supported me regarding my injuries. That is why I put my contract extension into motion so early."

Guardiola will depart Bayern following the conclusion of his three-year contract this summer, with Manchester City emerging as his most likely destination.