Lucas thanks Atleti after turning down new contract for Bayern challengeKlopp urges Liverpool to use 'wonderful base' for Premier League run-in

Lucas Hernandez thanked Atletico Madrid after turning down a new contract to seal a switch to Bayern Munich and start a "new challenge" in Germany. Months of speculation ended on Wednesday when France defender Lucas finalised an €80million move to the Bundesliga giants from the end of the season, meaning he will leave Atletico after 12 years at the club. The 23-year-old refused an offer of an extension at the Wanda Metropolitano to sign a five-year deal in Bavaria but stated it was difficult to depart after an "unforgettable" spell at the club. However, Lucas is confident he has made the right choice. "This is the most difficult and important decision I have had to make in my sports career," he said in an Atleti statement. "Atletico mean a lot to me because this is where I grew up as a player, as a person and I have become the player that I am. It has been difficult for me to say no to Atletico, but my decision is to undertake a new challenge at Bayern Munich. "I want to thank all the Atletico officials, coaches, team-mates and fans for these 12 incredible and unforgettable years in which I have been part of the club. "Atletico will always be in my heart." In a release issued by Bayern, Lucas added: "Today is a very important day in my football career. Bayern Munich is one of the best clubs in Europe and the world. I am proud to be able to fight for all titles for Bayern in the future." Lucas made 110 appearances for Atleti and was part of the side that won the EuropLucas Hernandez thanked Atletico Madrid after turning down a new contract to seal a switch to Bayern Munich and start a "new challenge" in Germany. Months of speculation ended on Wednesday when France defender Lucas finalised an €80million move to the Bundesliga giants from the end of the season, meaning he will leave Atletico after 12 years at the club. The 23-year-old refused an offer of an extension at the Wanda Metropolitano to sign a five-year deal in Bavaria but stated it was difficult to depart after an "unforgettable" spell at the club. However, Lucas is confident he has made the right choice. "This is the most difficult and important decision I have had to make in my sports career," he said in an Atleti statement. "Atletico mean a lot to me because this is where I grew up as a player, as a person and I have become the player that I am. It has been difficult for me to say no to Atletico, but my decision is to undertake a new challenge at Bayern Munich. "I want to thank all the Atletico officials, coaches, team-mates and fans for these 12 incredible and unforgettable years in which I have been part of the club. "Atletico will always be in my heart." In a release issued by Bayern, Lucas added: "Today is a very important day in my football career. Bayern Munich is one of the best clubs in Europe and the world. I am proud to be able to fight for all titles for Bayern in the future." Lucas made 110 appearances for Atleti and was part of the side that won the EuropJurgen Klopp has challenged his Liverpool players to use the "wonderful base" they have given themselves as they bid to win a first league title in 29 years. The Reds sit two points ahead of Manchester City at the Premier League summit but Pep Guardiola's side do have a game in hand – a rescheduled Manchester derby at Old Trafford on April 24 – due to their progress to the semi-finals of the FA Cup. City travel to Fulham on Saturday as action in England's top flight resumes following the international break, while Liverpool host Tottenham in a mouth-watering clash at Anfield a day later. Liverpool also have a Champions League quarter-final against Porto to look forward to and Klopp has urged his side to take advantage of the platform their superb season has provided for them in the closing weeks of the campaign. "It is exciting, absolutely," he told Liverpool's official website. "That's what we were always talking about – a season is like that, you constantly prepare a basis for the final weeks. We are now in the final weeks and there will be no interruption anymore, there will only be game after game after game and they all are very, very important. "On the one side, opponents fight for the Champions League spots, and on the other they will fight to stay in the league. "I think only Wolves in the last match, they are not fighting for Champions League and not fighting to stay in the league, but we all see what shape they are in – and they can go to the FA Cup final, sLucas Hernandez thanked Atletico Madrid after turning down a new contract to seal a switch to Bayern Munich and start a "new challenge" in Germany. Months of speculation ended on Wednesday when France defender Lucas finalised an €80million move to the Bundesliga giants from the end of the season, meaning he will leave Atletico after 12 years at the club. The 23-year-old refused an offer of an extension at the Wanda Metropolitano to sign a five-year deal in Bavaria but stated it was difficult to depart after an "unforgettable" spell at the club. However, Lucas is confident he has made the right choice. "This is the most difficult and important decision I have had to make in my sports career," he said in an Atleti statement. "Atletico mean a lot to me because this is where I grew up as a player, as a person and I have become the player that I am. It has been difficult for me to say no to Atletico, but my decision is to undertake a new challenge at Bayern Munich. "I want to thank all the Atletico officials, coaches, team-mates and fans for these 12 incredible and unforgettable years in which I have been part of the club. "Atletico will always be in my heart." In a release issued by Bayern, Lucas added: "Today is a very important day in my football career. Bayern Munich is one of the best clubs in Europe and the world. I am proud to be able to fight for all titles for Bayern in the future." Lucas made 110 appearances for Atleti and was part of the side that won the EuropJurgen Klopp has challenged his Liverpool players to use the "wonderful base" they have given themselves as they bid to win a first league title in 29 years. The Reds sit two points ahead of Manchester City at the Premier League summit but Pep Guardiola's side do have a game in hand – a rescheduled Manchester derby at Old Trafford on April 24 – due to their progress to the semi-finals of the FA Cup. City travel to Fulham on Saturday as action in England's top flight resumes following the international break, while Liverpool host Tottenham in a mouth-watering clash at Anfield a day later. Liverpool also have a Champions League quarter-final against Porto to look forward to and Klopp has urged his side to take advantage of the platform their superb season has provided for them in the closing weeks of the campaign. "It is exciting, absolutely," he told Liverpool's official website. "That's what we were always talking about – a season is like that, you constantly prepare a basis for the final weeks. We are now in the final weeks and there will be no interruption anymore, there will only be game after game after game and they all are very, very important. "On the one side, opponents fight for the Champions League spots, and on the other they will fight to stay in the league. "I think only Wolves in the last match, they are not fighting for Champions League and not fighting to stay in the league, but we all see what shape they are in – and they can go to the FA Cup final, sLucas Hernandez thanked Atletico Madrid after turning down a new contract to seal a switch to Bayern Munich and start a "new challenge" in Germany. Months of speculation ended on Wednesday when France defender Lucas finalised an €80million move to the Bundesliga giants from the end of the season, meaning he will leave Atletico after 12 years at the club. The 23-year-old refused an offer of an extension at the Wanda Metropolitano to sign a five-year deal in Bavaria but stated it was difficult to depart after an "unforgettable" spell at the club. However, Lucas is confident he has made the right choice. "This is the most difficult and important decision I have had to make in my sports career," he said in an Atleti statement. "Atletico mean a lot to me because this is where I grew up as a player, as a person and I have become the player that I am. It has been difficult for me to say no to Atletico, but my decision is to undertake a new challenge at Bayern Munich. "I want to thank all the Atletico officials, coaches, team-mates and fans for these 12 incredible and unforgettable years in which I have been part of the club. "Atletico will always be in my heart." In a release issued by Bayern, Lucas added: "Today is a very important day in my football career. Bayern Munich is one of the best clubs in Europe and the world. I am proud to be able to fight for all titles for Bayern in the future." Lucas made 110 appearances for Atleti and was part of the side that won the EuropLucas Hernandez thanked Atletico Madrid after turning down a new contract to seal a switch to Bayern Munich and start a "new challenge" in Germany. Months of speculation ended on Wednesday when France defender Lucas finalised an €80million move to the Bundesliga giants from the end of the season, meaning he will leave Atletico after 12 years at the club. The 23-year-old refused an offer of an extension at the Wanda Metropolitano to sign a five-year deal in Bavaria but stated it was difficult to depart after an "unforgettable" spell at the club. However, Lucas is confident he has made the right choice. "This is the most difficult and important decision I have had to make in my sports career," he said in an Atleti statement. "Atletico mean a lot to me because this is where I grew up as a player, as a person and I have become the player that I am. It has been difficult for me to say no to Atletico, but my decision is to undertake a new challenge at Bayern Munich. "I want to thank all the Atletico officials, coaches, team-mates and fans for these 12 incredible and unforgettable years in which I have been part of the club. "Atletico will always be in my heart." In a release issued by Bayern, Lucas added: "Today is a very important day in my football career. Bayern Munich is one of the best clubs in Europe and the world. I am proud to be able to fight for all titles for Bayern in the future." Lucas made 110 appearances for Atleti and was part of the side that won the EuropJurgen Klopp has challenged his Liverpool players to use the "wonderful base" they have given themselves as they bid to win a first league title in 29 years. The Reds sit two points ahead of Manchester City at the Premier League summit but Pep Guardiola's side do have a game in hand – a rescheduled Manchester derby at Old Trafford on April 24 – due to their progress to the semi-finals of the FA Cup. City travel to Fulham on Saturday as action in England's top flight resumes following the international break, while Liverpool host Tottenham in a mouth-watering clash at Anfield a day later. Liverpool also have a Champions League quarter-final against Porto to look forward to and Klopp has urged his side to take advantage of the platform their superb season has provided for them in the closing weeks of the campaign. "It is exciting, absolutely," he told Liverpool's official website. "That's what we were always talking about – a season is like that, you constantly prepare a basis for the final weeks. We are now in the final weeks and there will be no interruption anymore, there will only be game after game after game and they all are very, very important. "On the one side, opponents fight for the Champions League spots, and on the other they will fight to stay in the league. "I think only Wolves in the last match, they are not fighting for Champions League and not fighting to stay in the league, but we all see what shape they are in – and they can go to the FA Cup final, sLucas Hernandez thanked Atletico Madrid after turning down a new contract to seal a switch to Bayern Munich and start a "new challenge" in Germany. Months of speculation ended on Wednesday when France defender Lucas finalised an €80million move to the Bundesliga giants from the end of the season, meaning he will leave Atletico after 12 years at the club. The 23-year-old refused an offer of an extension at the Wanda Metropolitano to sign a five-year deal in Bavaria but stated it was difficult to depart after an "unforgettable" spell at the club. However, Lucas is confident he has made the right choice. "This is the most difficult and important decision I have had to make in my sports career," he said in an Atleti statement. "Atletico mean a lot to me because this is where I grew up as a player, as a person and I have become the player that I am. It has been difficult for me to say no to Atletico, but my decision is to undertake a new challenge at Bayern Munich. "I want to thank all the Atletico officials, coaches, team-mates and fans for these 12 incredible and unforgettable years in which I have been part of the club. "Atletico will always be in my heart." In a release issued by Bayern, Lucas added: "Today is a very important day in my football career. Bayern Munich is one of the best clubs in Europe and the world. I am proud to be able to fight for all titles for Bayern in the future." Lucas made 110 appearances for Atleti and was part of the side that won the EuropJurgen Klopp has challenged his Liverpool players to use the "wonderful base" they have given themselves as they bid to win a first league title in 29 years. The Reds sit two points ahead of Manchester City at the Premier League summit but Pep Guardiola's side do have a game in hand – a rescheduled Manchester derby at Old Trafford on April 24 – due to their progress to the semi-finals of the FA Cup. City travel to Fulham on Saturday as action in England's top flight resumes following the international break, while Liverpool host Tottenham in a mouth-watering clash at Anfield a day later. Liverpool also have a Champions League quarter-final against Porto to look forward to and Klopp has urged his side to take advantage of the platform their superb season has provided for them in the closing weeks of the campaign. "It is exciting, absolutely," he told Liverpool's official website. "That's what we were always talking about – a season is like that, you constantly prepare a basis for the final weeks. We are now in the final weeks and there will be no interruption anymore, there will only be game after game after game and they all are very, very important. "On the one side, opponents fight for the Champions League spots, and on the other they will fight to stay in the league. "I think only Wolves in the last match, they are not fighting for Champions League and not fighting to stay in the league, but we all see what shape they are in – and they can go to the FA Cup final, sLucas Hernandez thanked Atletico Madrid after turning down a new contract to seal a switch to Bayern Munich and start a "new challenge" in Germany. Months of speculation ended on Wednesday when France defender Lucas finalised an €80million move to the Bundesliga giants from the end of the season, meaning he will leave Atletico after 12 years at the club. The 23-year-old refused an offer of an extension at the Wanda Metropolitano to sign a five-year deal in Bavaria but stated it was difficult to depart after an "unforgettable" spell at the club. However, Lucas is confident he has made the right choice. "This is the most difficult and important decision I have had to make in my sports career," he said in an Atleti statement. "Atletico mean a lot to me because this is where I grew up as a player, as a person and I have become the player that I am. It has been difficult for me to say no to Atletico, but my decision is to undertake a new challenge at Bayern Munich. "I want to thank all the Atletico officials, coaches, team-mates and fans for these 12 incredible and unforgettable years in which I have been part of the club. "Atletico will always be in my heart." In a release issued by Bayern, Lucas added: "Today is a very important day in my football career. Bayern Munich is one of the best clubs in Europe and the world. I am proud to be able to fight for all titles for Bayern in the future." Lucas made 110 appearances for Atleti and was part of the side that won the EuropJurgen Klopp has challenged his Liverpool players to use the "wonderful base" they have given themselves as they bid to win a first league title in 29 years. The Reds sit two points ahead of Manchester City at the Premier League summit but Pep Guardiola's side do have a game in hand – a rescheduled Manchester derby at Old Trafford on April 24 – due to their progress to the semi-finals of the FA Cup. City travel to Fulham on Saturday as action in England's top flight resumes following the international break, while Liverpool host Tottenham in a mouth-watering clash at Anfield a day later. Liverpool also have a Champions League quarter-final against Porto to look forward to and Klopp has urged his side to take advantage of the platform their superb season has provided for them in the closing weeks of the campaign. "It is exciting, absolutely," he told Liverpool's official website. "That's what we were always talking about – a season is like that, you constantly prepare a basis for the final weeks. We are now in the final weeks and there will be no interruption anymore, there will only be game after game after game and they all are very, very important. "On the one side, opponents fight for the Champions League spots, and on the other they will fight to stay in the league. "I think only Wolves in the last match, they are not fighting for Champions League and not fighting to stay in the league, but we all see what shape they are in – and they can go to the FA Cup final, sLucas Hernandez thanked Atletico Madrid after turning down a new contract to seal a switch to Bayern Munich and start a "new challenge" in Germany. Months of speculation ended on Wednesday when France defender Lucas finalised an €80million move to the Bundesliga giants from the end of the season, meaning he will leave Atletico after 12 years at the club. The 23-year-old refused an offer of an extension at the Wanda Metropolitano to sign a five-year deal in Bavaria but stated it was difficult to depart after an "unforgettable" spell at the club. However, Lucas is confident he has made the right choice. "This is the most difficult and important decision I have had to make in my sports career," he said in an Atleti statement. "Atletico mean a lot to me because this is where I grew up as a player, as a person and I have become the player that I am. It has been difficult for me to say no to Atletico, but my decision is to undertake a new challenge at Bayern Munich. "I want to thank all the Atletico officials, coaches, team-mates and fans for these 12 incredible and unforgettable years in which I have been part of the club. "Atletico will always be in my heart." In a release issued by Bayern, Lucas added: "Today is a very important day in my football career. Bayern Munich is one of the best clubs in Europe and the world. I am proud to be able to fight for all titles for Bayern in the future." Lucas made 110 appearances for Atleti and was part of the side that won the EuropJurgen Klopp has challenged his Liverpool players to use the "wonderful base" they have given themselves as they bid to win a first league title in 29 years. The Reds sit two points ahead of Manchester City at the Premier League summit but Pep Guardiola's side do have a game in hand – a rescheduled Manchester derby at Old Trafford on April 24 – due to their progress to the semi-finals of the FA Cup. City travel to Fulham on Saturday as action in England's top flight resumes following the international break, while Liverpool host Tottenham in a mouth-watering clash at Anfield a day later. Liverpool also have a Champions League quarter-final against Porto to look forward to and Klopp has urged his side to take advantage of the platform their superb season has provided for them in the closing weeks of the campaign. "It is exciting, absolutely," he told Liverpool's official website. "That's what we were always talking about – a season is like that, you constantly prepare a basis for the final weeks. We are now in the final weeks and there will be no interruption anymore, there will only be game after game after game and they all are very, very important. "On the one side, opponents fight for the Champions League spots, and on the other they will fight to stay in the league. "I think only Wolves in the last match, they are not fighting for Champions League and not fighting to stay in the league, but we all see what shape they are in – and they can go to the FA Cup final, sLucas Hernandez thanked Atletico Madrid after turning down a new contract to seal a switch to Bayern Munich and start a "new challenge" in Germany. Months of speculation ended on Wednesday when France defender Lucas finalised an €80million move to the Bundesliga giants from the end of the season, meaning he will leave Atletico after 12 years at the club. The 23-year-old refused an offer of an extension at the Wanda Metropolitano to sign a five-year deal in Bavaria but stated it was difficult to depart after an "unforgettable" spell at the club. However, Lucas is confident he has made the right choice. "This is the most difficult and important decision I have had to make in my sports career," he said in an Atleti statement. "Atletico mean a lot to me because this is where I grew up as a player, as a person and I have become the player that I am. It has been difficult for me to say no to Atletico, but my decision is to undertake a new challenge at Bayern Munich. "I want to thank all the Atletico officials, coaches, team-mates and fans for these 12 incredible and unforgettable years in which I have been part of the club. "Atletico will always be in my heart." In a release issued by Bayern, Lucas added: "Today is a very important day in my football career. Bayern Munich is one of the best clubs in Europe and the world. I am proud to be able to fight for all titles for Bayern in the future." Lucas made 110 appearances for Atleti and was part of the side that won the EuropJurgen Klopp has challenged his Liverpool players to use the "wonderful base" they have given themselves as they bid to win a first league title in 29 years. The Reds sit two points ahead of Manchester City at the Premier League summit but Pep Guardiola's side do have a game in hand – a rescheduled Manchester derby at Old Trafford on April 24 – due to their progress to the semi-finals of the FA Cup. City travel to Fulham on Saturday as action in England's top flight resumes following the international break, while Liverpool host Tottenham in a mouth-watering clash at Anfield a day later. Liverpool also have a Champions League quarter-final against Porto to look forward to and Klopp has urged his side to take advantage of the platform their superb season has provided for them in the closing weeks of the campaign. "It is exciting, absolutely," he told Liverpool's official website. "That's what we were always talking about – a season is like that, you constantly prepare a basis for the final weeks. We are now in the final weeks and there will be no interruption anymore, there will only be game after game after game and they all are very, very important. "On the one side, opponents fight for the Champions League spots, and on the other they will fight to stay in the league. "I think only Wolves in the last match, they are not fighting for Champions League and not fighting to stay in the league, but we all see what shape they are in – and they can go to the FA Cup final, sLucas Hernandez thanked Atletico Madrid after turning down a new contract to seal a switch to Bayern Munich and start a "new challenge" in Germany. Months of speculation ended on Wednesday when France defender Lucas finalised an €80million move to the Bundesliga giants from the end of the season, meaning he will leave Atletico after 12 years at the club. The 23-year-old refused an offer of an extension at the Wanda Metropolitano to sign a five-year deal in Bavaria but stated it was difficult to depart after an "unforgettable" spell at the club. However, Lucas is confident he has made the right choice. "This is the most difficult and important decision I have had to make in my sports career," he said in an Atleti statement. "Atletico mean a lot to me because this is where I grew up as a player, as a person and I have become the player that I am. It has been difficult for me to say no to Atletico, but my decision is to undertake a new challenge at Bayern Munich. "I want to thank all the Atletico officials, coaches, team-mates and fans for these 12 incredible and unforgettable years in which I have been part of the club. "Atletico will always be in my heart." In a release issued by Bayern, Lucas added: "Today is a very important day in my football career. Bayern Munich is one of the best clubs in Europe and the world. I am proud to be able to fight for all titles for Bayern in the future." Lucas made 110 appearances for Atleti and was part of the side that won the EuropLucas Hernandez thanked Atletico Madrid after turning down a new contract to seal a switch to Bayern Munich and start a "new challenge" in Germany. Months of speculation ended on Wednesday when France defender Lucas finalised an €80million move to the Bundesliga giants from the end of the season, meaning he will leave Atletico after 12 years at the club. The 23-year-old refused an offer of an extension at the Wanda Metropolitano to sign a five-year deal in Bavaria but stated it was difficult to depart after an "unforgettable" spell at the club. However, Lucas is confident he has made the right choice. "This is the most difficult and important decision I have had to make in my sports career," he said in an Atleti statement. "Atletico mean a lot to me because this is where I grew up as a player, as a person and I have become the player that I am. It has been difficult for me to say no to Atletico, but my decision is to undertake a new challenge at Bayern Munich. "I want to thank all the Atletico officials, coaches, team-mates and fans for these 12 incredible and unforgettable years in which I have been part of the club. "Atletico will always be in my heart." In a release issued by Bayern, Lucas added: "Today is a very important day in my football career. Bayern Munich is one of the best clubs in Europe and the world. I am proud to be able to fight for all titles for Bayern in the future." Lucas made 110 appearances for Atleti and was part of the side that won the EuropJurgen Klopp has challenged his Liverpool players to use the "wonderful base" they have given themselves as they bid to win a first league title in 29 years. The Reds sit two points ahead of Manchester City at the Premier League summit but Pep Guardiola's side do have a game in hand – a rescheduled Manchester derby at Old Trafford on April 24 – due to their progress to the semi-finals of the FA Cup. City travel to Fulham on Saturday as action in England's top flight resumes following the international break, while Liverpool host Tottenham in a mouth-watering clash at Anfield a day later. Liverpool also have a Champions League quarter-final against Porto to look forward to and Klopp has urged his side to take advantage of the platform their superb season has provided for them in the closing weeks of the campaign. "It is exciting, absolutely," he told Liverpool's official website. "That's what we were always talking about – a season is like that, you constantly prepare a basis for the final weeks. We are now in the final weeks and there will be no interruption anymore, there will only be game after game after game and they all are very, very important. "On the one side, opponents fight for the Champions League spots, and on the other they will fight to stay in the league. "I think only Wolves in the last match, they are not fighting for Champions League and not fighting to stay in the league, but we all see what shape they are in – and they can go to the FA Cup final, sLucas Hernandez thanked Atletico Madrid after turning down a new contract to seal a switch to Bayern Munich and start a "new challenge" in Germany. Months of speculation ended on Wednesday when France defender Lucas finalised an €80million move to the Bundesliga giants from the end of the season, meaning he will leave Atletico after 12 years at the club. The 23-year-old refused an offer of an extension at the Wanda Metropolitano to sign a five-year deal in Bavaria but stated it was difficult to depart after an "unforgettable" spell at the club. However, Lucas is confident he has made the right choice. "This is the most difficult and important decision I have had to make in my sports career," he said in an Atleti statement. "Atletico mean a lot to me because this is where I grew up as a player, as a person and I have become the player that I am. It has been difficult for me to say no to Atletico, but my decision is to undertake a new challenge at Bayern Munich. "I want to thank all the Atletico officials, coaches, team-mates and fans for these 12 incredible and unforgettable years in which I have been part of the club. "Atletico will always be in my heart." In a release issued by Bayern, Lucas added: "Today is a very important day in my football career. Bayern Munich is one of the best clubs in Europe and the world. I am proud to be able to fight for all titles for Bayern in the future." Lucas made 110 appearances for Atleti and was part of the side that won the EuropJurgen Klopp has challenged his Liverpool players to use the "wonderful base" they have given themselves as they bid to win a first league title in 29 years. The Reds sit two points ahead of Manchester City at the Premier League summit but Pep Guardiola's side do have a game in hand – a rescheduled Manchester derby at Old Trafford on April 24 – due to their progress to the semi-finals of the FA Cup. City travel to Fulham on Saturday as action in England's top flight resumes following the international break, while Liverpool host Tottenham in a mouth-watering clash at Anfield a day later. Liverpool also have a Champions League quarter-final against Porto to look forward to and Klopp has urged his side to take advantage of the platform their superb season has provided for them in the closing weeks of the campaign. "It is exciting, absolutely," he told Liverpool's official website. "That's what we were always talking about – a season is like that, you constantly prepare a basis for the final weeks. We are now in the final weeks and there will be no interruption anymore, there will only be game after game after game and they all are very, very important. "On the one side, opponents fight for the Champions League spots, and on the other they will fight to stay in the league. "I think only Wolves in the last match, they are not fighting for Champions League and not fighting to stay in the league, but we all see what shape they are in – and they can go to the FA Cup final, s