Inter Milan defender Benjamin Pavard identifies Sevilla star Sergio Ramos as his childhood idol.
The 27-year-old completed a transfer from Bayern Munich to the Nerazzurri last summer. He’s gradually establishing himself as a pillar in Simone Inzaghi’s backline.
The Frenchman discussed several topics in a recent interview, naming Sergio Ramos as his role model while growing up, and Eden Hazard as his toughest career opponent.
“My idol was Sergio Ramos. I like his style of play and his determination. For me he is a great role model,” he told DAZN via FcInterNews.
“My toughest opponent? I have to give it a quick thought. But I’d say Eden Hazard.”
The versatile defender explained why he pushed for a transfer to Italian football while revealing his objectives at Inter Milan.
“I’ve been following Italian football for a long time. I have many friends who play in Italy. For me, it’s a strong championship tactically. I feel I can learn a lot of things here.
“I am proud to be part of this great club. I play football to win trophies. At the end of my career. I’d like to look back on all the trophies that I won and feel proud of my achievements.
“I hope there will still be many to come because I am someone who is hungry to win more trophies.
“I would like to win several titles with Inter too, celebrate the Scudetto at the end of the season, and put the second star on my shirt.
Inter Milan Defender Benjamin Pavard Reveals Sergio Ramos As His Childhood Idol And Eden Hazard As His Toughest Opponent
“I had been in Germany for seven years, I felt that the time had come for a new challenge.
“Then, Inter showed up. This a club with a great history written by legends like Javier Zanetti, who still works for the club and for whom I have great respect.
“For me, it was an obvious choice. Inter and I share the same objectives. We both want to win trophies.
“We hope to be able to celebrate as many victories as possible at the end of the season, together with our wonderful fans.”
The former Stuttgart man reveals his preference for a more central role. He used to play as a right-back at Bayern Munich.
“My favorite position is a central defender in a three-man defense. This is where I feel the most comfortable.
“Right-back? Everyone knows I can play there but that’s not where I feel comfortable. I’m at Inter to be able to express myself in the role which I prefer, where I can bring my experience”.
Pavard also discussed the thrill of winning the World Cup in 2018. During the tournament, he scored a superb strike against Argentina in the Round of 16.
“When you experience these emotions, when you win the best and most important trophy ever, it motivates you to experience similar joys with the fans.”
“The goal against Argentina was a unique moment for me, for the team and for all of France. A moment that will remain engraved in the memory of all of us because it was a great goal in an important match.
“But on the other hand, I don’t hide it, I continue to look forward. A lot of time has passed since 2018, so I prefer to think about the present and the future rather than the past.”
Inter Defender Pavard Is Sill Seeking More Titles Despite Winning The Most Prestigious Trophies In The Sport
While he doesn’t possess the talent of Lionel Messi, the Nerazzurri star feels he owes it all to his hard-working ethics.
“I’m not a football genius like Messi but I’m a lad who has always worked hard. Nobody gave me anything, everything I have I earned with hard work.
“Even in difficult moments, I never gave up. I owe this to my father who had great mental strength.
“For me, it is important to have it in good and bad moments. It is the key to having a great career.”