Mandzukic set on leaving Bayern because coach Guardiola's style does not suit him

Bayern Munich's Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic celebrates scoring the 4-1 goal during the German Cup (DFB Pokal) semi-final football match Bayern Munich vs 1 FC Kaiserslautern in Munich Southern Germany on April 16, 2014. Croatia's World Cup s
Bayern Munich's Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic celebrates scoring the 4-1 goal during the German Cup (DFB Pokal) semi-final football match Bayern Munich vs 1 FC Kaiserslautern in Munich Southern Germany on April 16, 2014. Croatia's World Cup striker Mario Mandzukic on Monday, June 9, 2014, demanded to leave German side Bayern Munich telling a local newspaper that he could not follow coach Pep Guardiola's playing style. -- PHOTO: AFP

ZAGREB (AFP) - Croatia's World Cup striker Mario Mandzukic on Monday demanded to leave German side Bayern Munich telling a local newspaper that he could not follow coach Pep Guardiola's playing style.

His announcement could set off a scramble for his signature with several English Premier League sides said to be trailing the prolific scorer.

"I had great time in Bayern, but let's be honest, the style of game forced by coach Josep Guardiola does not suit me," Mandzukic told the Sportske Novosti daily. "No matter how hard I try I cannot see myself in that kind of football and I cannot give my best. Since that's the case, the best is to separate."

The 28-year-old spoke from Brazil where he is a key player in the Croatia team at the World Cup. He will miss Thursday's opening match against Brazil because of a red card in a match against Iceland in November.

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