The explanations of Pavard after his polemical celebration against Bayern

Scorer against Bayern Munich on Wednesday in the quarter-final return of the Champions League (2-2, 4-3 cumulative), Benjamin Pavard celebrated in a very demonstrative way. Inter Milan defender explained this Friday on Instagram this Friday, defending himself from any lack of respect for his former club.

The celebration made a few teeth cringe in Bavaria. Wednesday evening, on the occasion of the quarter-final return of the Champions League between Inter Milan and Bayern Munich (2-2, 4-3 for the Inter cumulative), Benjamin Pavard let his joy explode after finding the net in the 61st minute. This goal, his very first in the jersey of the Italian club, allowed Nerazzurri at that time to resume the advantage on this second round (2-1).

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Some fans of Bayern Munich have seen the celebration of Pavard as a lack of respect, the French international having worn the jersey of the German club for four seasons between 2019 and 2023. What to push the player of Inter Milan to speak on His Instagram account.

“There has never been a question of lack of respect”

“FC Bayern allowed me to become the player I am today,” said Pavard this Friday. “This club was my house for many years. I will never forget the honor that it was to be the last player to wear the number 5 and to perpetuate the legacy of a legend (number 5 was withdrawn in honor of Franz Beckenbauer, who died in January 2024, editor's note).”

“My celebration was only the joy of a child who plays a quarter of the Champions League,” continues Pavard. “There has never been a question of lack of respect for FC Bayern fans.”

Almost five years after his coronation in the Bavarian jersey, in August 2020 against PSG, Pavard is only two games from a new Champions League final. In the semi-finals, Wednesday April 30 (go) and Tuesday May 6 (return), the Inter will challenge FC Barcelona.