Thomas Meunier reveals he had already signed for Borussia Dortmund before PSG clash

New Borussia Dortmund right back Thomas Meunier has revealed that he had already signed for the club before facing them with PSG in February.

Speaking at his first press conference as a Borussia Dortmund player, Meunier spoke about his preferred position, his role as an experienced player in the team and his desire to win titles with his new club. The Belgian international also revealed that he had already signed a contract with Borussia Dortmund before their UEFA Champions League round of 16 clash with his then club Paris St. Germain.

"“I had already signed before the (Champions League) game. I had goosebumps during the match. It was the first time that I was playing in a stadium with such an atmosphere. Everyone was standing and cheering. It was really special. I said to myself: ‘I will be here next season.’ It’s what I’m playing football for.”"

Meunier played the first leg of the tie, but was suspended for the second leg after an accumulation of yellow cards. The 28 year old joined the Black and Yellows on a free transfer from PSG in June, penning a four year contract with the club.

Meunier also talked about his reasons for joining Borussia Dortmund, and he is optimistic about the team’s chances of challenging for titles next season.

"“Everywhere I’ve been to, I’ve played with ambition. I chose Dortmund because I know we can win the cup and the championship. Sometimes it takes time, and you have clubs like Bayern and Leipzig, who can make the difference and fight for the title until the end of the season. I love this challenge.”“I watched a lot of games of Dortmund last season. The second round was particularly positive and good. Being in the position of outsider, as a challenger it is the best position for me. With the quality we have, I hope everybody in the group will stay. We can really improve our game and win something this year.”"

Meunier was also asked about the role compatriot Axel Witsel played in his transfer. “I talked to him (Axel) just before the signing. He approached me because he heard the rumours. He wanted me to come and I had the same good feeling, we talked about the club and the ambitions. He didn’t have to convince me to come because my choice was made. I felt that I made a good choice.”

A lot has been said and written about the role Meunier will play at Borussia Dortmund, with some suggesting that he could be used as a centre-back in a back three. But Meunier has no desire of playing in a back three at the moment, and wants to play in the right-back/right wing-back role for Lucien Favre’s side.

"“It wouldn’t be good for the team if I played behind. Because I always want to play forward. There would be a hole in the defence, and it would be a problem I think. Being a right central defender is something that’s not for me, not at the moment.”"

Meunier has earned 40 caps for the Belgian national team, and won a lot of trophies with PSG. So he will be one of the more experienced players in the Borussia Dortmund dressing room. Meunier was asked about what he will bring to the club, and how his experience can help the team’s youngsters.

"“I’m not a super talented player, but I think that if I made it as a professional football player, that’s also because I work hard. I never complain, I never give up, I do my job.”“I like to have that big brother role. There are a few really good players training with us at the moment and we can help to improve their football and increase their motivation. For example, Youssoufa Moukoko is a really good player, you can see it directly. We have players like (Lukasz) Piszczek, (Mats) Hummels, Axel (Witsel), a few good players who have experience and can really help the youngsters.”"

Meunier could make his Borussia Dortmund debut when they travel to FSV Duisberg in the first round of the DFB Pokal in the second week of September. His Bundesliga debut will likely come a week later, with the schedule for the new season set to be released on Friday.