BAYERN WILL NOT RENEW STRUNZ CONTRACT

The 32-year-old midfielder played regularly for Bayern after joining from Stuttgart five years ago, until undergoing a meniscus operation last year - since which he has only played four games.

"It is tough to find your place after such a long time off with injuries," Strunz said. "The manager also justified his decision by saying he wants to give new players opportunities next season."

Strunz, who was part of Germany`s victorious Euro 96 side, returned to the Olympic Stadium in 1995 having left them for VfB three years earlier.

In a glittering career with Bayern, Strunz has made 234 Bundesliga appearances, won four league titles and won the Uefa Cup in 1996.

Hitzfield said, given the player`s service for the club, he would be prepared to allow Strunz to leave for free in the winter if he finds another club - but said it would be up to the club`s hierarchy to verify this.