Klinsmann, who was assisted by Low when he led the national team to third place in the 2006 World Cup, will take over from Ottmar Hitzfeld at Bayern at the end of the season.

Low admitted he had not seen the move coming, saying: "It does come as a bit of a surprise.

"He is a true ambassador for German football. It is an exciting project for a former national team manager, who achieved a lot, to coach a top German club.

"I am looking forward to working well together with him."

Indeed, relations between Bayern and the German Football association (DFB) have been strained of late.

Klinsmann was criticised when he was in charge of Germany for not moving from his home in America back to his home country.

Germany general manager Oliver Bierhoff is pleased that state of affairs is set to change.

"Jurgen is always good for a surprise, as he proved as national team coach," he said.

"I am delighted that he is back in Germany permanently."

DFB president Dr Theo Zwanziger echoed the sentiments, saying: "It is great to have Jurgen Klinsmann back in Germany.

"He has achieved a lot for German football and will certainly be able to move things forward at FC Bayern too."