Thiago Alcantara on David de Gea trying to lure him to Manchester United, drinking beer with fans... and his Brazil star dad

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The day begins with cake. Before Thiago Alcantara has settled into his chair, he is presented with a slice of chocolate and cream sponge that resembles a doorstop.

We are in Leipheim, a small town on the banks of the Danube, and meet in a bierkeller, which is set in a forest that conjures visions of Hansel and Gretel. Here, 200 Bayern Munich fans have gathered to eat, drink and be merry but, more than anything, spend time with one of their heroes. The cake is his welcome gift but, ever the professional, Thiago reluctantly leaves it.

There are more than 4,000 official supporters' clubs spread across Europe and each year, as Christmas approaches, 25 are visited by a member of the first-team squad.

Thiago Alcantara (right) fends off the challenge of Franck Ribery during a Bayern Munich training session

The Spain international (pictured right with his girlfriend Julia Vigas) joined Bayern Munich in July 2013

Thiago has won two Bundesliga titles since arriving from Barcelona, where he came through the academy

Thiago has a Brazilian heritage and was schooled in Barcelona's fabled La Masia academy but, since July 2013, this gifted midfielder has become a key figure in Munich for Pep Guardiola, as he showed with his outstanding displays against Arsenal in the Champions League group stages. He is Bayern's future and the ovation he receives on arrival reflects his standing.

'This is the only club in the world that would do something like this,' says Thiago. 'It is good for us (the players) as we get to know exactly how they (the fans) feel. The way they have made me feel is incredible. I feel like I'm in a house with family. This lets you know your responsibility.'

Responsibility is something Thiago has carried through his career. He was one of the pearls of Barcelona's youth system and disappointment still lingers in parts of Catalonia that he was sold to Munich in July 2013. He, after all, has long been regarded as the natural heir to Xavi, the architect of his club and country's dominance.

'Xavi was my mirror,' Thiago explains in perfect English, one of four languages he speaks. 'By doing simple things he would make great things happen. He was the one who helped give Barcelona the greatest moments. You will never find another like him.'

There is still some disappointment in parts of Catalonia at Barcelona's sale of highly-rated Thiago (right)

The Spaniard, whose brother Rafinha plays at Barcelona, is tipped to be the natural replacement for Xavi

Alcantara speaks to Sportsmail's Dominic King about Spain and England's hopes for Euro 2016 next summer

That may be so but the education he has received gives him a chance to fulfil his destiny. From Guardiola's tutelage, training with Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi to now partnering Xabi Alonso, he has had the chance to tap into some of football's greatest minds.

'I want responsibility,' says Thiago, who returned from a six-week injury absence in Saturday's 2-0 win over Ingolstadt. 'I was created in Barcelona and every midfielder has to touch the ball. You develop your own skills but the one thing you have to do is move the ball.

'You want to be better at the things you cannot do so well. So you watch players. But then you watch Messi. The things he does are not impossible for him but to play against him is impossible.

'Look at the passes Xabi makes. Iniesta? Look at how the ball never leaves his foot when he runs with it. I try, if possible, to take something from everyone.'

Thiago came through the La Masia academy to train with the likes of Xavi (pictured) and Lionel Messi

Thiago has settled well at Bayern Munich, and says he feels like the club's supporters are his family

Thiago's father is Mazinho, a World Cup winner with Brazil in 1994 - he is pictured left with Bebeto and Romario, famously celebrating the birth of Bebeto's son against Holland at the USA tournament

His biggest influence, however, came at home. Thiago feels the skill in his game was a product of playing futsal when he lived in Rio de Janeiro as a child but the necessary mindset to become something more substantial was down to parental guidance. 

His father, Mazinho, was a fixture in the Brazil team who won the World Cup in 1994.

'He is everything to me,' the 24-year-old says. 'Ronaldinho is my favourite player, Pep has been huge in my development but, without my father, there would be nothing. I remember playing when I was a child. The other fathers would be on the touchline shouting, screaming. But my father would just sit and watch and afterwards he would say something small. A little bit of advice but nothing more.

'Whenever I got a chance to watch him train, I never missed it. He was my idol. I knew how a footballer should be on the pitch and I knew how he should be at home.'

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (left) pours beer over Thiago as they celebrate winning the title

Pep Guardiola (right) took over as Bayern Munich boss in 2013, immediately bringing Thiago with him

Thiago (left, in 2013) was eligible to play for Brazil but says it was an 'easy decision' to choose Spain

Mazinho's support was crucial when his son ruptured a cruciate ligament and missed the 2014 World Cup — he had suffered the same injury in his career — so why did Thiago not follow in his footsteps?

'I'd played for Spain since I was 16,' he replies. 'I kept playing more and more for Spain and never had a call from Brazil. In the end it was easy to choose.'

It was also easy for him to pick Munich. Sir Alex Ferguson, during his last season at Manchester United, wanted Thiago. The clamour continued after David Moyes arrived and after he scored a hat-trick when Spain won the European Under 21 Championship in 2013, David de Gea led the campaign.

Thiago has a popular member of Bayern's squad after forcing his way into Guardiola's midfield

David de Gea (left) tried to lure Thiago to Manchester United after the Euro U21 final (pictured), writing a message on his match ball, but the midfielder says it was 'always going to be Munich'

Thiago (left) takes on Barcelona's Dani Alves during a tie against his former club in the Champions League

'There was never any firm proposal,' Thiago clarifies. 'David de Gea wanted me to join. He wrote a message on my match ball after we'd beaten Italy in the final. But I'd have done the same with him. He is one of the greatest goalkeepers in the world. You always want to play with the best. But it was always going to be Munich.'

Does the idea of playing in the Barclays Premier League in the future appeal?

'All I will say is that it is an amazing league,' he replies. 'It is probably the best league in the world but I'm very happy at Bayern and fulfilled with what I am doing.'

No wonder. Bayern are on course to retain the Bundesliga title for a third year and they were handed a tasty Champions League last-16 tie against Juventus this week.

The day draws to a close but, before Thiago leaves, another slab of cake — this one with Bayern's crest as the icing — is placed in front of him. This time temptation is impossible to resist. 'So good,' he says with a smile. Two words, in fact, that could be used to describe him.