Gladbach defender Dante to join Bayern Munich

BERLIN (Reuters) -- Borussia Moenchengladbach's Dante will join Champions League finalists Bayern Munich at the end of the season, the Bundesliga club said on Thursday, ending months of speculation regarding the talented defender's future.

The Brazilian, who joined Gladbach in 2009 from Belgium's Standard Liege, quickly earned a starting spot at the heart of the German's defence and was key in their fine Bundesliga season that has seen them battle for a Champions League place.

He also scored crucial goals last season that helped Gladbach stay up following a relegation playoff.

"Bayern are one of the world's ... biggest clubs and there I can have the chance to play at the very highest of levels and win titles," Dante said in a statement.

"I am now 28 years old and want to take that next step in my career."

He has played 91 league games for Gladbach, scoring eight times.

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