"Bayern Munich signed me because I'm one of the best" - Benjamin Pavard
VfB Stuttgart defender Benjamin Pavard says he is hungry to win things and believes he will be a perfect fit in the Bayern Munich defence next season.
Pavard, who lifted the World Cup with France last year, is enduring a difficult season with the Swabians fighting for their lives near the foot of the table.
He has accepted his share of the blame for Stuttgart's struggles, but feels he does not have anything to prove as he gets ready to make his long-announced move to Munich, confident he can make an impact.
"I didn't sign for Bayern just because of that one shot," he said of his famous goal against Argentina in the last 16 of the World Cup. "It's because I'm one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga. Defensively, I'm strong – and technically also."
Bayern were convinced of that long before Pavard emerged as one of the stand-out defenders at last summer's World Cup. His performances in the Bundesliga last season had already pricked their interest and they confirmed his signing at a time when the 23-year-old admits he was not delivering his best performances, midway through the current campaign.
"I knew it wasn't going to be easy staying here – I had expected a tough season," he told France's Canal Football Club. "A lot of people have been criticising me, but very few of them actually watch my games. It's true that I've made a few mistakes and I accept my share of the responsibility."
Watch: Pavard: "Winning the World Cup hasn't changed me"
Want more Bundesliga Action?
Keeping the Swabians in the top flight is Pavard's current priority, then the quest for trophies will resume next season at a club where he believes his winning mentality fits perfectly.
"I'm full of confidence and I'm hungry for titles," he said. "After winning the World Cup, I'm hugely motivated to win more. For me it was only Bayern: I couldn't see myself going to any other club.
"You don't say no to Bayern – they are the best club in Germany and they're always winning lots of titles."
Related news
The best French Players in Bundesliga history
Bixente Lizarazu, Franck Ribery, Kingsley Coman and more - we take a look at the standout French nationals to play in Germany's top flight...
Benjamin Pavard: 10 things
After making 163 appearances for Bayern Munich, the four-time Bundesliga winner and European champion with Bayern has decided to call time on a glittering career in Bavaria.
Top 5 passers in 2022/23
Joshua Kimmich leads the way, but who else made the list as the league's most effective passers?