The striker says despite giving it his best try, he simply cannot play his best in Bayern Munich's new playing style.
Mario Mandzukic has confirmed he will leave the club as a result of his failure to adapt to Pep Guardiola's on-field strategy.
Mandzukic has been linked with many teams after his future with the Bundesliga giant came under scrutiny following the signing of Dortmunder Robert Lewandowski. According to rumors, It appears Chelsea and Arsenal may be the most likely to pick him up.
The Croatian was in and out of the side last season, and ended the campaign by being dropped for the DFB Pokal final victory over Dortmund.
The 28-year-old striker has now confirmed he is leaving Bayern, and pointed to Guardiola's possession-based style as the primary factor behind that decision.
Mandzukic also spoke about a meeting with Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in early May, telling the Bayern boss he wanted a move.
He said it was great with the club at first, but things changed.
"Until recently I didn't even think about leaving, and especially that it would happen now," he told Sportske novosti. "Let's be honest, the style Guardiola wants at Bayern doesn't suit me"
"In the first leg against Real in Madrid (in the Champions League), I definitely understood, no matter how much I try, I can't get the best out of myself with this style. When it's like that, I don't feel good and it's best for everyone that we part." He continued.
He said he really appreciated all those at Bayern that made his time there well spent.
"Thanks to the club who offered a contract extension, thanks to Guardiola, who is a great coach, and I wish everyone all the best for the future," he said. "Bayern and their fans will always be the most beautiful and most emotional story of my career. The time has come for new challenges."
Mandzukic prepares to represent Croatia at the World Cup, and a strong showing on the world stage could put him very much in front of a lot of teams looking for his services.
According to Bleacher Report, Croatia manager Niko Kovac recently spoke about Mandzukic leaving the Bavarian superclub, proclaiming he would rather the player's future were decided before the start of the World Cup, but was happy to have a footballer of Mandzukic's caliber on his team.
Arsenal definitely has interest, giving their needs, but as far as Chelsea is concerned, Mandzukic would be comfortable playing in Mourinho's formation as the sole striker, and he would offer the manager a more direct threat on the goal. It could be the perfect fit for all concerned.
The player now needs to buckle down in the World Cup and show he has the talent to continue his goalscoring ways at another of Europe's top clubs.
