Gomez to Bayern

The announcement was made in Munich shortly before Gomez boarded a plane for Shanghai, where he was to join the German national team for games in Asia.

Bayern Munich had expressed interest in Gomez at the conclusion of the Bundesliga season on Saturday, but the deal was only confirmed by the German Soccer Association and Bayern on Tuesday.

"I'm looking forward to playing with Bayern," Gomez said. "They are a special team. I want to go after the German title with them next season and I'm really looking forward to playing in the Champions League."

FC Bayern finished second in the Bundesliga this year and qualified directly for the Champions League, the tournament of Europe's top soccer clubs. Stuttgart was third in the Bundesliga, and earned the right to play in the qualification round of the Champions League.

Gomez scored 24 goals for Stuttgart this year, which was the third highest score in the Bundesliga. The German tabloid daily Bild reports that the transfer fee Stuttgart will receive for Gomez is 30 million Euros ($42 million), which would set a Bundesliga record.

The final details of Gomez's contract with Bayern will be worked out when he returns from his trip to Asia with the national team.

mz/dpa/sid

Editor: Susan Houlton