Mehdi Benatia has admitted it was a wrench to leave Roma but described his decision to join Bayern Munich as a ‘no-brainer’.

The Moroccan put pen to paper on a five-year contract on Wednesday night, after successfully passing a medical.

Bayern have paid an up-front fee of €26 million for the player with a further four million owing based on appearances and achievements, and he revealed he had turned down other offers to join the record German champions.

“It was a difficult decision because I had a fantastic year with Roma and I was very happy there,” he said. “But at the end of the day, it was a no-brainer.

“I had other offers, but Bayern Munich are an extraordinary club and I can’t wait to be able to work with these competent people here.”

Bayern made their move for Benatia after Javier Martinez tore knee ligaments in the German Supercup, leaving coach Pep Guardiola short on numbers at the back.

Not only have they plugged that gap, they have signed a player who could become a leader on the field, and force Martinez to revert to his previous position in midfield when he does return.

“He’s a guy who is going to help us with his character and his sporting qualities,” said Bayern’s director Matthias Sammer.

“He’s robust, but at the same time very agile and he plays a perfect pass and strong in the air.

“We’re convinced that he is worthy of wearing a Bayern Munich shirt.”