Achraf Hakimi has denied it was his decision to leave Real Madrid, with the right-back stating he is having a lot of "fun" at Paris Saint-Germain.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Hakimi asked about his Madrid departureAimed dig at former side by making 'fun' claimMadrid sold Moroccan in 2020Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Hakimi once again put on a great display in the Club World Cup semi-final against Real Madrid. After the 4-0 mauling, the full-back was asked about Madrid's decision to sell him in 2020, to which Hakimi provided a sly response. He further explained that he is grateful to be at PSG because they let him play the way he likes to and have fun.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Hakimi was born in Madrid to Moroccan parents, joining Los Blancos' youth academy in 2006 at the age of seven. He spent 10 years in La Fabrica, before spending the 2016-17 season with Castilla, the reserve team. His performances for the B team earned him a promotion to the first team for the 2017-18 season under then-head coach Zinedine Zidane, making 17 appearances in all competitions as Madrid clinched their third Champions League in succession. However, with Dani Carvajal at the peak of his powers at right-back, the Moroccan international was allowed to leave on a two-year loan to Borussia Dortmund. In 2020, Hakimi was surprisingly sold to Inter, where he spent one season before being snapped up by Les Parisiens.
WHAT ACHRAF HAKIMI SAID
Speaking to former Madrid midfielder Claude Makelele on , Hakimi spoke about his departure from Madrid. He said: "It was their decision [to sell me], not mine."
Then, he opened up on his experience at PSG, saying: "They let me do what I like to do, play and have fun. With this coach who gave me his trust and the freedom to play in midfield from time to time but also to defend. The truth is that I'm very happy and I'm having fun with this team."
(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR ACHRAF HAKIMI?
The dazzling right-back will hope to help his team clinch their fifth trophy of the 2024-25 season by beating Chelsea in the final of the Club World Cup on Sunday, July 13.
