Achraf Hakimi after PSG semifinal victory: "I remember when no one believed in us"
- Andrew Olsson
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
After many years of failure and disappointment on the continental stage, Paris Saint-Germain are clearly on a mission to finally capture the UEFA Champions League trophy they have coveted for so long. The French champions overcame Arsenal 2-1 (3-1 on aggregate) in Wednesday's semifinal second leg to advance to the final, where they will face Italy's Inter Milan.
Morocco national team star right back Achraf Hakimi was at the center of PSG's victory, working tirelessly on the right flank when attacking and defending. The 26-year-old was rewarded with a goal in the 72nd minute, producing a striker's finish to put the Parisians beyond reach and claiming the Man of the Match award.
It was a suitable reward for a player who has experienced the dejection of failure in his previous three seasons with PSG. In an interview with CBS Sports following Wednesday's victory, Hakimi reflected on how much reaching the final means to him and the team:
"I think its amazing. I cannot describe this moment with the fans, you see the ambiance. We worked really hard since we started the season."
"I remember when we (went) out of the Champions League (last season), no one believed in us. So we worked together, it was difficult but we deserved it."
When it was pointed out that he came in from the left wing to score his goal, even though he is a right-sided player, Hakimi gave credit to PSG coach Luis Enrique. "(It's) the freedom that the coach gives me. The coach says to me, 'go forward, be free inside and outside' and I feel good in this kind of movement that the coach lets me do."
Acknowledging the passionate atmosphere in Paris at the Parc des Princes for the second leg, Hakimi gave credit to the supporters of PSG:
"I think yes...I think we have one of the best support (in the) stadium in the world. I'm really happy, proud to play for Paris Saint-Germain in front of these fans. We know...that there is belief in our work and they support us always and they also deserve these kinds of moments."
PSG now advance to the final against Italy's Inter Milan which will be on May 31. A week before that, they will face Stade Reims in the final of the Coupe de France where they will look to complete a domestic treble that includes France's Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the Trophée des Champions (Super Cup) before going for a historic quadruple against Inter.
