French international defender Willy Sagnol has confirmed that he will be leaving Bayern Munich at the end of the season after rejecting a four-year contract extension.

Just a fortnight ago Sagnol indicated he was prepared to sign a new contract with Bayern but has now decided to leave when his contract expires at the end of the current season.

“It is unfortunate but we have to accept it,” said Bayern manager Felix Magath.

The 28-year-old Sagnol has already admitted that he received an offer from Spanish side Valencia, but claimed he would not reveal the identity of his new employers until next year.

“I will not reveal my new club until March at the earliest,” Sagnol told Bild daily.

Sagnol joined Bayern from Monaco in 2000 and has helped the club to three Bundesliga titles and the 2001 Champions League title.