The 29-year-old feels the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder does not deserve to be criticised for making the switch to the Allianz Arena

Philipp Lahm believes that Mario Gotze made the right choice in leaving Borussia Dortmund for Bayern Munich this summer.

The right-back, 29, captained the German club to the treble last season and says that the club are a great place for young players to take the next step in their careers.

“If you’re a truly great player, then you belong to the best club in Germany and that is Bayern Munich. His move was a logical step,” he told reporters.

“If you have the chance to go to Bavaria, then you take the chance, especially as a young player, they use it to develop themselves.”

Lahm is excited to see what this season has in store for the club under new coach Pep Guardiola and hopes to enjoy the same success the side did last season.

“We have to work in the coming weeks to achieve better coordination. We are working on correcting the little things, however, we are not re-inventing our game.

“Again we have very good opportunities to win titles. We have certainly not gotten worse since last year, but the quality in the Champions League is extremely high. In addition, we are now the hunted. Everyone wants to beat the defending champions. It is exciting.”

Lahm also gave his outlook on the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and discussed the possibility of whether it would be his last as a player.

“The teams from South America will have an advantage because of the climate. Brazil are one of the favourites, but we will compete again,” he added.

“I am now almost 30, the best age for a defender. I feel fit and am almost never hurt, but so much can happen in four years. Allow me to surprise you.”

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