Achraf Hakimi has described himself as a defender ‘with the soul of a striker’ and has promised to help Paris Saint-Germain with his qualities.
Following his impressive performance in his maiden season at Inter Milan – which propelled Antonio Conte’s team to win the Serie A diadem for the first time since the 2009–10 campaign, he was snapped up by the Ligue 1 giants.
Although he has four years left at Giuseppe Meazza, the Morocco international teamed up with the Parc des Princes giants in the region of €60 million (£52m/$71m), plus €10m (£9m$12m) in add-ons.
In his first interview with PSG media, the 22-year-old talked about his qualities and how he hopes to be of immense value to Mauricio Pochettino’s men.
“I am a defender, with the soul of a striker! I like to make my contribution to the offensive edifice, to be in the attack, and I think that here there are great players who can help me on this aspect,” Hakimi told the club website.
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“And of course, I too can help the team achieve its goals. I have to help the team with my qualities and make them available to the team.
“The goal is to achieve together all the objectives of the club. Defensively, I can play at 3, 5, 4, 2. Everything the coach needs! I am at his disposal and that of the team.”
The African star is also enthusiastic about starting a new chapter in his career with the Paris-based outfit which he had played against during his time at Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.
“I'm happy to be here, I'm looking forward to taking a new step, starting the job and meeting my teammates. I want to do great things here,” he continued.
“First of all, I have a good image of France. PSG, then, is a great club that has shown it in recent years, with constant progression.
“For my part, I want to continue to build great things to reach the highest level. Here it is possible."
Hakimi has been handed jersey no. 2 and he could make his bow when PSG square up against Cristiano Gomes' Le Mans on July 14.
