Matthijs de Ligt explained why he decided to leave Juventus for Bayern Munich this summer, feeling ‘it was time for a new challenge’.
The 22-year-old Dutch defender joined the Bavarians last month in a deal worth around €77m total, leaving Juventus after a three-year spell. De Ligt was a regular feature in Turin and worked closely with Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini as he continued his development.
Speaking to Kicker, De Ligt first explained why he looked to leave Juventus this summer.
“I still had two years left on my contract at Juventus, I became a complete defender there, but I felt it was time for a new challenge, a new environment. In June Bayern Munich got in touch and I was immediately interested.”
The 22-year-old Dutch centre back then commented on the pressure and style of play at Bayern.
“When you play for big clubs like Bayern Munich, you always have pressure. The style of play here suits me because the team is offensive-oriented.”
During his three years in Turin, De Ligt made 117 appearances across all competitions, helping the side win a Scudetto, a Coppa Italia and a Supercoppa Italiana. He scored eight goals and provided three assists for the club.
Juventus acted quickly following De Ligt’s departure, securing a deal for Torino star Gleison Bremer. The funds of this sale allowed them to beat out the interested Inter.
He looks like 32 tbh
$12mm per season now off the books. Cheers!
A complete defender? Come on boy, you were not even top 5 in Italy, you were behind Koulibaly, Skriniar, Bremer and Tomori for starters. Then I can also add Kjaer, Bonucci and even Mancini before your and your performances. Juventus did well getting a lot of money for him and a huge salary off the wage bill. Bayern is known for buying overrated defenders (Hummels, Boateng, Upamecano) so you will fit there very well lol
How many penalties he gave away in these 3 years?
Over priced signing during the Ronaldo era moved. Was he good, yes, was he great, no. He wasn’t worth the wages.
Long way to say he wants to have a chance at a CL.
@ DB Milan
Just like what Vidal said when he moved to Bayern…
De Ligt is a good defender but too many changes in the coaching brought too much instability. Bayern are a stable club and he might be able to show the form we saw in his days at Ajax.
Over rated and over paid
There goes nothing.. See you in Roma in 2 years.
He was good but never outstanding.