Bayern Munich midfielder Javi Martinez has revealed that he cherishes the time he spent at Athletic Bilbao.

The 24-year-old joined the Bavarian giants in a €40m (£32m) deal in the summer after spending six years with the Spanish club.

"As soon as possible, I will say goodbye to [the Bilbao players]," he told TZ. "They are not only my teammates, but above all my friends.

"I want to see them all again, to say goodbye to them. I had six wonderful years in Bilbao - a part of my heart remains there."

Martinez reached the final of the Copa del Rey in 2009 and 2012, and of the Europa League last season with Bilbao.