Harry Kane: "I'm at Bayern Munich to fight for titles"
New Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane said the chance to fight for titles, including the UEFA Champions League, and play at the highest level were key reasons behind his move to the record champions as he spoke to the media for the first time at his unveiling.
Kane's much-anticipated transfer from Tottenham Hotspur was confirmed on Saturday afternoon, and Sunday's press conference, which took place at Bayern's Allianz Arena, was his first opportunity to discuss the reasons behind his switch and his expectations as he embarks on the next stage of his career.
And it is clear that he is hungry for silverware, with success in Europe's premier club competition at the forefront of his objectives.
"I've always wanted to push my limits and improve, and see how far that can take me," said the England international as he spoke to German and international members of the press.
"Ultimately, I wanted to be playing at the highest level, to be playing in the Champions League, fighting for titles every year. Coming to Bayern, one of the biggest clubs in the world, gives me that opportunity."
Watch: Harry Kane's first Bayern press conference - in full
The Bundesliga, though, is Bayern's bread and butter, and they will begin the defence of their title at Werder Bremen on Friday, 18 August.
Last year's triumph, which was secured with a last-gasp 2-1 win away at Cologne on the final day of the campaign, was Bayern's 11th consecutive Meisterschale, but Kane is under no illusions that retaining top spot is far from guaranteed for him and his teammates.
"As you saw yesterday with Leipzig, there are some great teams in this league and it is going to be a real challenge," he explained.
"I know people expect Bayern to win the league every year, but I think teams are improving and it is getting tougher."
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Just hours after completing his switch to Bavaria, the 30-year-old was whisked into the Bayern squad for their DFB Supercup meeting with RB Leipzig.
Kane was given a rapturous welcome at the Allianz Arena when introduced in the 63rd-minute but was unable to prevent Bayern from falling to a 3-0 defeat to the reigning DFB Cup holders.
It was a baptism of fire for Bayern's new No.9, but despite the result, he was clearly impressed with how he was welcomed to his new surroundings.
"It's been an incredible experience so far," explained Kane. "The recepetion at the game last night was magical. Throughout the game I could hear them singing.
"I wanted to come here and win last night but that wasn't the case. It's no time to panic, it's a long season ahead. Thank you to the fans, hopefully I can give them some reasons to cheer over the season."
Watch: Harry Kane makes Bayern Munich debut
Kane joins a squad full of "amazing talent", none more so than Thomas Müller, who remains one of the club's leading stars. When asked about his impression of the 33-year-old, the Three Lions captain was glowing in his appraisal of his new teammate.
"I met Thomas yesterday and he was full of energy and welcomed me well. He's already asked me for a game of golf so I'm sure we'll organise that soon," said Kane.
"He's proven year on year what a great player he is. I think he's one of the biggest leaders in this team from what I've seen so far so I look forward to playing with him.
"I think we can compliment each other very well. He scores and assists and so do I. I'm excited to play with these sort of players and I'm sure Thomas and I will get to know each other quite well over the next period."
Kane will also be familiar with manager Thomas Tuchel, who he faced in England when the German was in charge of Chelsea. Going by the new number nine's comments, the former Borussia Dortmund boss played a big role in the move.
Of his new boss, Kane added: "Thomas was a big part of me coming here. I really enjoyed his energy, and the vision he had for both me and the team moving forward."
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