Elber reveals Bayern hurt

The Brazilian striker, who now plies his trade for French champions Lyon, claims he was forced out of Bayern by boss Ottmar Hitzfeld.

Roy Makaay's arrival in Munich last summer led to Elber's departure, but the South American hit-man claims he was more than prepared to stay at the club - even if it meant starting the majority of games as a substitute.

"I never said that I didn't want to be a substitute and that I always had to play," stated the 31-year-old.

"When Roy arrived, Claudio Pizarro was playing better than me. I was deleted by the coach and that really hurt me because he wasn't fair with me," said Elber.

However, Elber admitted that he would consider a return to Die Bundesliga when his contract with Lyon expires at the end of the 2004/05 season.

"If I am called for playing again in Germany I would not have any problem," he continued.

"I am in contract in France until 2005, but I know the German league very well so I wouldn't have any problem in going back."