Benjamin Pavard explains why he was so determined to leave Bayern Munich for Inter, including the chance to show a different side of his game. ‘The club shares my ambition.’
The defender was used as a full-back in Germany and France for many years, but the transfer to San Siro also provided the opportunity to play as a central defender in a defensive trio.
“I have followed Italian football for a long time, I have many friends who play in Italy. I consider it a tactically difficult league and I think I can learn a lot here,” the veteran told DAZN.
“I am proud to be part of a great club like Inter. I play football to win trophies. At the end of my career, I will be proud to look back at everything I have won. I hope there’s more in this cabinet, because I’m still hungry for silverware.
“I would love to win many titles with Inter, starting with the Scudetto and put a second star on our jersey.”
Bayern Munich made it very difficult for Inter to complete the transfer, so Pavard’s determination to complete the move proved vital.
“I lived in Germany for seven years, I felt it was time to take on a new challenge. Inter is a club whose history is written by legends like Javier Zanetti, who still works here today.
“It seemed clear to me, Inter shares my ambition, which is to win as many trophies as possible.”
There was also an important tactical aspect of working with Simone Inzaghi in a 3-5-2 formation.
“My favorite position is in the center of a three-man defence, because that’s where I feel most comfortable. Everyone knows I can play right back, but it’s not where I’m happiest. I am at Inter to express myself in a role of my choice, where I can bring my experience to the team.
Pavard has said in the past that he may never have the talent of Lionel Messi, but his mentality is very strong and that is just as valuable in modern football.
“I’m not a football genius like Messi, but I’ve always worked hard and earned everything I’ve achieved. Even in tough times I’ve never given up. I owe that to I owe it to my father, who had great mental strength, which is the key to a great career.
“There are no sacrifices, because being a top player is a privilege, you can bring joy to the people in the stadium. It’s true, you may miss the big moments like birthdays, Christmas, New Years with your family and friends, but it’s the best job in the world, so we can’t complain.
Defender Sergio Ramos was his idol, while Eden Hazard has been named as the toughest opponent to score on and the game he wants to erase is Bayern Munich’s defeat against Manchester City last season.
When asked which was the most beautiful stadium in the world, Pavard chose San Siro.