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Matthijs de Ligt believes he took a “step up” in his career by leaving Juventus to join Bayern Munich.
The Netherlands defender was one of football’s most exciting prospects when he joined Juve from Ajax for a reported €75million, winning Serie A in his first season with the team before disappointment in the two subsequent league campaigns.
De Ligt then moved to Bayern ahead of the 2022-23 season for a reported €77m and believes the switch put him on an upward trajectory.
“Bayern Munich is closer to the philosophy of what the national coach wants on the pitch. You also have to take risks in football,” he told NOS.
“For me, it’s a step up in terms of team. Juventus is a very good team. Only I think Bayern has everything to win the Champions League in terms of selection and ambition. I had the feeling that it was just a little less at Juve.
“I had a great time, really enjoyed it, but I felt like it was time for a new challenge.”
De Ligt has had to be patient for opportunities with Bayern, initially finding it difficult to break into the starting line-up, but has no concerns as he highlighted the amount he has played in recent matches.
“I’m not worried at all. I barely played the first three games, because I came in with a training deficit. That was what they had told me the first week,” he added.
“Of the last eight games, I’ve played six all the way. So, I’m actually satisfied with my playing time and how the first two months have gone.”
