France and Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard admits he would consider joining his friend Olivier Giroud at Milan: ‘Serie A is an interesting league.’
The 26-year-old released an interview with La Gazzetta Dello Sport before joining the France national team in Doha, where the defending World Cup champions will prepare for Qatar 2022.
“I’d never thought I could win a World Cup, it was a childhood dream. It would have been enough to play for 30 seconds, but I was a starter and I scored the best goal. I haven’t changed, glory and money are not the priority, I play to win and improve,” said the France international, who was part of the team winning the World Cup four years ago.
“Nothing is impossible, we go to the World Cup to win it again, if not, better stay home. There have been a few injuries, which is not ideal, but the environment is positive. We must focus on the target, there are no easy games, but we want to repeat the emotions of 2018.”
Pavard’s contract at the Allianz Arena runs out in 2024 and the defender seems open to moving to Serie A.
“I’ve been playing in Germany for seven years, I have many friends in Stuttgart and I’ve won everything with Bayern. I play to win and I am open to considering new projects as a centre-back,” he said.
“Olivier [Giroud] always tells me that Italy is a country that 100% lives for football. He has told me about the magic in the derby and the big celebrations for Milan’s title win. I’d like to play with him because he is a good friend of mine, let’s see.
“It is never easy to win, but Serie A is very interesting, not just for a defender like me. It’s very open as my friends Giroud, Theo Hernandez and Adrien Rabiot have always told me.
“Just look at the duel between Napoli and Milan. It was not easy to face Inter in the Champions League and Ivan Perisic has been talking about it [Inter] for a long time. Juventus are rebuilding, and they will soon return to their standards in Europe.”
Pavard would be happy to move to Italy, also because some of his idols played in Serie A, including Lilian Thuram: “a centre-back for his club and a right-back for the national team.
“I like Thiago Silva, who is always at the top despite his age. I’ve always admired Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Nesta and Giorgio Chiellini,” the 26-year-old continued.
“I still watch them on YouTube, there is always something to learn from them.”
Roberto Mancini’s Italy won’t be at the World Cup, having faced elimination in the playoff semi-finals against North Macedonia.
“It was a surprise, I’d rather have seen them in Qatar because they are a great team, with young and talented players. I am sure you will return to the top soon.”
Theo Hernandez, Rabiot and Giroud are also part of the France squad for Qatar 2022, while Paul Pogba and Mike Maignan have not been called up because of injuries.
Les Blues make their debut at the 2022 World Cup against Australia on Tuesday, November 22.
Would be happy to see him at Milan playing RB. Don’t think he gets in as a CB.