Bayern Munich have confirmed the sale of defender Lucio to Inter Milan. The Brazilian will put pen to paper on a three-year deal with the Italian champions, according to the German club's general manager Uli Hoeness.

"Lucio is transferring immediately to Inter Milan and will receive a three-year contract there," he said at a press conference today. "The clubs have reached an agreement and the player is also in agreement with Inter."

Lucio is transferring immediately to Inter Milan. The clubs have reached an agreement and the player is also in agreement with Inter.
Bayern Munich general manager Uli Hoeness

Lucio is now due to undergo a medical in Lombardy before all the transfer formalities can be completed. The 31-year-old's future at Bayern had been in doubt since new coach Louis van Gaal arrived and hinted it may be difficult for him to earn a regular place in his team.

The Dutch coach warned nobody could be given a guaranteed starting berth and Lucio's late return to pre-season training, due to his involvement for Brazil at the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa, could have put him at a disadvantage compared to his team-mates.

And Hoeness confirmed Lucio had made it clear he wanted to leave after leading his country to glory in South Africa. "He knew that he wanted to leave the club since the Confederations Cup," explained the former Bayern playmaker.

Lucio joined the Bavarian giants from Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen in 2004 and played 144 times for the record German champions, scoring seven goals.

Bayern and Inter have agreed on an undisclosed fee for the transfer of a player whose contract was due to expire next summer.