Lucio explains Inter switch

The 31-year-old was seeking assurances over his future but the German giants were not prepared to offer the defender the long-term deal he craved.

The Brazil international has spent the last seven and a half years in the Bundesliga following a spell with Bayer Leverkusen prior to his four years at Bayern.

Inter have been openly scouring the market for a centre-back with Chelsea's Ricardo Carvalho mooted as a possible target and the arrival of Lucio will give the Nerazzurri some much needed solidarity at the back.

"I am 31-years of age and I was looking for a new long-term contract, but Bayern refused to offer me that," he told TZ.

"When Inter came in my decision was a pretty easy one."

Tough decision

Lucio admits that he had a great time at Bayern and found the decision to leave an extremely difficult one.

"I had a great time at Bayern Munich and I want to thank the fans of Bayern Munich for their support," he added.

"Apart from that I need to thank the secretary of Uli Hoeness (Bayern general manager). She was a marvellous helping hand for me and my family.

"When I told her about my transfer, she started crying. I cried too."