De Ligt: Van Gaal told me I'd 'fall in love' with Bayern Munich

Matthijs de Ligt reveals Holland boss Louis van Gaal told him he’d ‘fall in love’ with his old club Bayern Munich before he made his £68m move… as he backs Julian Nagelsmann to help him ‘grow and develop’

• Matthijs de Ligt is Bayern Munich’s seventh signing of the summer window
• The Dutch defender is Bayern’s second most expensive signing ever at £68m
• De Ligt revealed that Louis van Gaal advised him to join the Bavarian giants
• Van Gaal had a stint in charge of Die Roten between 2009 and 2011 

Bayern Munich new boy Matthijs de Ligt has revealed that Holland manager Louis van Gaal advised him to make the move to the Bundesliga’s top dogs.

The 22-year-old made the switch from Juventus this week in a £68million deal after enjoying three seasons in Serie A.

Despite interest from elsewhere, De Ligt opted to make the move to Bayern after his  national team coach advised him to, telling him he would ‘fall in love’ with the club.

Matthijs de Ligt is among seven new additions to Julian Nagelmann’s Bundesliga champions

‘At the beginning of the summer I discussed my future with Van Gaal and he had nothing but good words for Bayern,’ De Ligt said after completing his switch to Germany.

‘He praised their philosophy and told me that if I went there, I would fall in love with them.’

Current Holland boss Van Gaal also enjoyed a spell at the German giants, serving as the club’s manager from 2009 to 2011. 

The enigmatic manager endured a shaky start after arriving at the Allianz Arena, though he ultimately secured a league and cup double, and reached the Champions League final in his first season in Bavaria.

Van Gaal’s fortunes in Munich would deteriorate during his second season at the club, however, with the Dutchman relieved of his duties in April 2011 with the club languishing in fourth place. 

De Ligt also spoke of his admiration for current Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann.

Julian Nagelsmann led Bayern Munich to their 31st Bundesliga title last season

The former Ajax academy graduate, who was at one time the most wanted young defender in Europe, believes his new manager can help him become even better.

De Ligt said: ‘He has shown that young people with him can grow and develop. I still see myself as such and want to improve.’

Bayern beat off competition from the likes of Chelsea to secure the Dutchman’s signature, securing him on a five-year deal.

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