By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- German international Julian Draxler does not intend to leave his French club Paris St Germain. The 23-year-old feels ready to take up the challenge after his side signed Brazilian super star Neymar Junior for 222 million euro from Spanish giant FC Barcelona and French striker Kylian Mpappe for 180 million euro from AS Monaco.
"I decided not to leave Paris and to take up the new competition in our squad," Draxler said. The club has signed "two real rockets". That is something to be happy about. "I expressed my determination to face new competition. My performance in the latest European qualifier against Norway was a clear message to Paris they can still count on my abilities."
Draxler scored a goal and delivered an assist when the 2014 world champion beat Norway by 6-0.
The former VfL Wolfsburg striker is aware of the new quality in his club. "It is going to be a hard competition. We have gained exceptional quality. But every top side in Europe counts on a squad full of top class players," Draxler stressed. Draxler mentioned that he took up club training later than club mates due to the 2017 Confed Cup.
The club's goals address his goals as St Germain wants to be successful in the 2017/2018 Champions League campaign. "I am ready to go full speed and do all for the team's success," the 37 times German capped striker said. "I am convinced we will provide fans an offensive football spectacle and I am proud to be part of a unique team like that."
Draxler said he feels extremely well in Paris and never considered to leave. That won't change he said.
The striker spoke about a meeting with Paris coach Unai Emery. The Paris coach told him he counts on him in the future and that he was very much satisfied with Draxler's performance last season. "I am aware I will have to fight to secure a place in the team, but I am willing to do that, and I am optimistic to be a serious challenger," the German commented. "I am a regular team member as most of our players are."
Draxler mentioned his satisfying performance when winning the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia with Germany this summer. "Playing the Confed Cup and now the European qualifiers with Germany proved I am at a good level to deliver good games over a longer period," Draxler stressed.
For German national coach, Draxler is one of his cornerstones when it comes to defending the World Cup title. Loew called Draxler "one of our best".
Lately, Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness said Draxler would be a fascinating player that would suit Bayern's squad, but at the same time would increase competition in the squad. "We have discussed Draxler, but don't want to cause new problems for our coach Carlo Ancelotti as he has to deal with many stars already," Hoeness told German media.
