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Morocco’s international football player talked about his special relationship with his PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe during a recent interview with PSG TV.
In the interview, published today, the Moroccan star is full of praise for his teammate, who he said has helped him greatly since his debut with the French club.
“Yes, as you say, in football we have a lot of teammates, we know and play with a lot of them, but in reality there are few real friends left because one by one they leave the club,” Hakimi said before going into detail about his special friendship with Mbappe.
Commenting on the depth and solidity of his friendship bonds with Mbappe, Hakimi said that his French teammate was there for him when he needed it the most.
“And it’s not easy, especially with his status as a global star. I’m forever grateful to him, because he helped me when I didn’t speak the language and I didn’t know anyone,” Hakimi said, stressing that this special friendship made it easier for the star players to understand each other on and off the pitch.
“Yes of course, when you understand a teammate on and off the field you feel very good with him,and it’s even easier to play with him, given the calibre of the player,” Hakimi said, noting that they know exactly “where and when” they want the ball just by looking at each other.
“It’s easy to play alongside him,” he added.
Read also: PSG Duo Hakimi, Mbappe Bring Smiles to Children’s Faces in Hospital Visit
Not only do Mbappe and Hakimi enjoy playing with each other on the same team, but they also like spending quality time together away from Paris and away from the football field.
In addition to his unique relationship with Mbappe, Hakimi also spoke about his time with PSG in the interview, emphasizing that he sees himself improving a lot with the French club.
“Of course, I was not the same player in the Bundesliga as I am today. I have changed a lot in many areas. So yes, of course, I feel like I’m getting better every year, especially with my game mentality,” he said.
Describing himself as a “little more mature” in terms of playing football, Hakimi said that he is learning “new stuff” every time he plays.
Hakimi was also full of praise for Luis Enrique, PSG’s new head coach, stressing that the Spanish manager knows him very well.
“His arrival really benefited me, too, in terms of his way of understanding football – his style of play is how I like to play. Constant attacking. As he says, I’m not just a defender because I also really like to be involved in the final third,” Hakimi explained.
The Moroccan football player said he agrees with the coach as he does not only feel like playing as a defender, stressing: “I’m happy that he’s here and that I can play for him.”
