Bayern Munich have signed the Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso from Real Madrid for a fee around £8 million.

“When Bayern are interested in you then you must not hesitate for a single second,” Alonso told Germany’s Sport 1 television. “I am looking forward to what lies ahead. I am proud at my age to have another chance to play for such a great club.”

With injuries to Bastian Schweinsteiger, Javi Martínez and Thiago Alcântara in central midfield, Alonso will be expected to slot straight into Bayern’s starting XI.

“I would have a very good feeling for the club and the coach,” said sporting director Mattias Sammer. “After the injuries of Thiago and Schweinsteiger we have been looking for someone, who could help us immediately. And Xabi Alonso could play on top level for two years.”