Lothar Matthaus has urged Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard to ignore Inter Milan.
Matthaus won titles with both clubs.
But he told Sky Deutschland: “The former directors had promised Pavard he could leave at the end of the season, but with new chiefs, there are new rules.
“As this was promised, Pavard is now sulking. He was also not used in central defence the way he wanted. He has always been a reliable, impeccable professional.
“With all the love I have for my ex-club, I have to say that right now going from Bayern Munich to Inter is not an upgrade. Even if the Nerazzurri had a good season, reaching the Champions League Final and winning the Coppa Italia, Bayern are a more important club on the European stage.
“I do think the main thing here is that Pavard wants to play as a centre-back and increase his time in that role to be first choice for France."