Brazilian defender Dante joins Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich have signed Brazilian defender Dante on a four-year contract from German league rivals Borussia Moenchengladbach, it was announced on Thursday.

Gladbach confirmed  on their website that Dante, full name Dante Bonfim Costa Santos, is leaving them and the 28-year-old said the offer to play for the Bavarian giants was just too good to refuse.

The transfer, reported to be worth around five million euros, was confirmed as Bayern reached the Champions League final at Munich's Allianz Arena on May 19 after beating Real Madrid on penalties on Wednesday.

"Bayern Munich is one of the three or four biggest clubs in the world," said the south American centre-back.

"At Bayern, I will have the chance to play at the highest level and win titles.

"I am now 28 years old and would like to take this step in my career."

Gladbach have been Germany's success story of the season having gone from the relegation play-off last term to the verge of a Champions League place and part of their success has come from Dante's assured play in defence.

"Borussia has tried everything to keep me and extend my contract," he said.

"I have now been playing here for three and a half years and experienced a wonderful time.

"I want to thank all the wonderful fans at the club, it hurts me to leave here, but these decisions happen in a footballer's career."

Dante joined Gladbach from Belgium team Standard Liege in 2009 and has scored eight goals making 91 appearances for Borussia.

He is the third key player who will leave Gladbach in this summer with rising midfield star Marco Reus already signed for league champions Borussia Dortmund and Roman Neustaedter set to join Schalke 04.