From correspondents in Bavaria, Germany, 01:00 PM IST

Brazilian midfielder Ze Roberto will leave Bayern Munich after declining the offer of a new one-year contract, the Munich daily tz reports in its edition Wednesday.

Ze Roberto, 34, was quoted as saying he would be leaving Bayern with 'pride' after completing a second spell at the Bundesliga club.

'It's no secret that I would have signed a two-year contract,' he was quoted as saying.

Ze Roberto said he was fit enough to play another two seasons but he respected the club's decision not to offer him a two-year deal.

Meanwhile new Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal will retain Hermann Gerland as co-trainer, the club said.

Gerland, coach of the reserve team since 2001, was assistant to Jupp Heynckes, who was taken on as interim coach after the dismissal of Juergen Klinsmann April 27.

Van Gaal, who will also be assisted by his Dutch compatriot Andries Jonker, is in Munich for his first talks with the club management on planning for next season.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)