Matthäus backs Karl's Madrid dream: "I find it honest, not pretentious or arrogant"

After Bayern Munich's Lennart Karl hinted he might like to play for Real Madrid one day, former Germany international Lothar Matthäus has backed the youngster's statement.

“I think it's great when someone has self-confidence even at 17. Setting goals has absolutely nothing to do with arrogance,” Matthäus told Sky Germany.

"I find it honest, not pretentious or arrogant. Real Madrid simply has that kind of mystique. Bayern Munich is in a similar position, but often you want to try something new in life.

"You can't say, "I'll stay at Bayern my whole life," like Thomas Müller – that's unique. Ultimately, everyone has a goal at some point. I think it's all fine. It shows that Karl is ambitious and believes in himself," he added. 

After the 64-year-old explained that Karl would have to do “something extraordinary” to get Madrid's attention, he revealed that he also would have liked to represent the Galacticos in his playing days. 

"I, too, would have loved to play for Real Madrid. I was named World Player of the Year in 1990/91, and suddenly Real Madrid were knocking on my door. I would have loved to go, but I still had a contract.

"That's why the transfer didn't work out back then. Real and I had an agreement, but Inter didn't want to let me go for a high transfer fee. I, too, had dreams.

"I always said that I wanted to play for a big club, become a national team player, and be part of the World Cup squad. At some point, dreams just get bigger.

“Four years ago, Karl probably would have said that he wanted to play in the Bundesliga – probably for Bayern Munich. Karl simply sees what's possible,” Matthäus explained.