Legendary German footballer and honorary president of Bayern Munich Franz Beckenbauer says despite the economic power of the English Premier League (EPL), the financial might of the clubs would not be able to sign the best footballers in the world.
EPL sold its TV rights for over $77.16 million earlier this year in a record deal - an increase of around 70 percent from the previous agreement, reports EFE. But Beckenbauer is confident that the game's best players will continue to ply their trade outside England, regardless of the cash on offer.
"No, they cannot buy everything," Beckenbauer said. "Messi, Ronaldo, Ibrahimovic and Muller, the best players in the world, the English clubs did not get any. We still have great footballers in Germany."
Bayern had earlier confirmed there was a lucrative deal for Muller from England, which was rejected. Although the value of the bid was not officially declared, media speculated it to be between $95 to $135 million.
Beckenbauer also spoke of his happiness with Munich's current squad and hoped coach Pep Guardiola will sign a new contract.