João Palhinha looks back on the journey of moving to Bayern ...

João Palhinha should’ve been a Bayern Munich player last season but had to wait until this season to finally don Bavarian red, for reasons that you should be aware of. In an interview with the Bundesliga social media team (as captured by Twitter account @iMiaSanMia), the Portuguese midfielder adopted a “there is a reason behind it” mindset.

“Yes, of course. They came in for me before. I think I have a mindset that tells me if things don’t happen it’s for a reason. After the transfer collapsed last summer, that was my thinking. If something’s going to happen in the future, it’ll happen. That’s what happened. It’s a good thing for me to be here,” said Palhinha. “And that’s the important thing. I don’t want to think too much about the past. I want to live in the present. And the most important thing is I’m wearing the shirt now and ready to give everything.”

Photo by Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images

There’s a saying that goes: “When Bayern Munich calls, do not pass up the opportunity”, and that is exactly what Palhinha did. He fought until the very end until he got signed by the club (albeit passively).

“Yes, of course. When you represent a big club like Bayern, you’ve reached the very highest level”, the former Fulham player said (via @iMiaSanMia). “I’ve realized my dream, but I know I will feel completely fulfilled when I have success here. It’s not just signing for Bayern that is a dream come true but being successful here. I want to write my own story here and win trophies. I know last season was tough for the club and for the fans, and we need to give everything this season to try to win something.”

Photo by Stefan Matzke - sampics/Getty Images

Palhinha was visibly upset when the move last year was called off, but he worked his way back and earned his rightful transfer by being a consummate professional:

“It was a difficult time, but as I said before I knew that I needed to keep playing for the club, at Fulham, and I did. Of course the first weeks were tough for me. I had some talks with the gaffer and he helped me get back up to my highest level. I played a great season as well at Fulham, which led to me coming here. I wouldn’t be here without doing my job for Fulham. And the second chance came because I did a good job there and for the national team. Now I’m ready to fight for trophies here,” Palhinha remarked.