Brazil international Dante insists he has not taken a step down in swapping Wolfsburg for Nice.
The 32-year-old spent seven and a half years in Germany, winning numerous titles and appearing in the Champions League, but has now returned to Ligue 1, where he previously played for Lille.
However, with Nice competing in Europe this season, Dante sees it as a positive move.
"The club is growing, I know the coach [Lucien Favre], and we can see that there are good young players here," said the defender.
"Nice are playing in the Europa League this season – Wolfsburg are not. I don't like to stay in my comfort zone."
"We were criticized for signing a lot of young players," he said. "Having Dante allows a balance.
"Recruiting a player such as Dante is actually a sign that the club is moving forward."
