The central defender of Stuttgart, Waldemar Anton (1m89), took an important step in his career. Sure, he may not be very small, but he's not big either. At the age of 28 and after a very good season in Stuttgart, he decided to change the climate and the team, taking a step up. And his move was to agree to continue his career at Champions League (2023-2024) finalists Borussia Dortmund. The management of the latter agreed to pay Stuttgart the sum of 22.5 million euros, while Anton signed a 4-year contract.

After all, Dortmund with new coach Nuri Sahin was also looking for the worthy successor of Mats Hummels who left the team this summer...

Now the newly acquired central defender will attempt to fill the void left by the experienced Mats Hummels. But Anton does not even want to get involved in the comparison with his illustrious predecessor.

"Mats Hummels is an incredible footballer and an incredible guy. I have a lot of respect for his career. He's a legend here at BVB and he should stay that way. I don't want to follow in his footsteps, I want to leave my own mark," Anton said plainly.

Of course, in order to leave his own mark, Waldemar Anton must first win a place in the starting eleven, which is not expected to be particularly easy. As he will have strong competition from Nico Schlotterbeck and Niklas Süle…

"It's always difficult, but the competition puts pressure on each of us. That's the good thing about this season. Everyone will take their time. I always want to play and I'll show it in every training session," clarified Anton.

He feels good in Dortmund

Anton added about his new team: "BVB is a huge club. I spoke to many people in charge. They all expressed their full confidence in me. I had good discussions, especially with our coach. In the end it was a decision with strong thoughts. Now I feel very comfortable and I'm very happy "to be here", said the 28-year-old in an interview.

The fact that Leverkusen is last season's dominant and champion did not interest him. Because something similar can also succeed in Dortmund.

"Dortmund always play internationally and were in the final of the Champions League last season. It didn't take long to win the title. They are a huge club. I have full confidence in the concept of the game," Anton said.

"If we always give 100 percent and a little bit of luck is on our side, then we can be very successful," he added.