Hargeaves sees final as vindication

By Pete Oliver

MANCHESTER (Reuters) - Owen Hargreaves believes Manchester United's run to the Champions League final vindicates his move to English football as the midfielder attempts to capture a second winners' medal in the competition.

Hargreaves was a Champions League winner with Bayern Munich in 2001 but ended a highly successful decade-long stay with the German club last year to join United in a reported 17 million pounds deal.

"At 26, I just thought I needed a new challenge. I was very comfortable in Munich, almost too comfortable," the England international told reporters ahead of Wednesday final against Chelsea in Moscow.

"I just wanted to take the next step; new coaches, new team-mates and a new challenge. The only reason I would leave Bayern Munich was for a top club and Manchester United is that.

"I'm very happy that I took this step because I thought we had the players and the potential to achieve something special."

That could happen on Wednesday as United, who retained the Premier League title a little over a week ago, look to repeat their 1999 European success over Bayern Munich, when Hargreaves was in the early stages of his career with the Bundesliga side.

"I just thought I'd been through everything I could possibly go through in Munich. I had a fabulous time there. It was a real pleasure and I learnt a lot," he added.

"I just thought that, having won the league four times, the cup three times, the Champions League once, it was a good time to move on. I was at a great age and I thought United was the best place for me. I'm glad I made the move.