It was one phone call that changed his life. Ok, he was already a prolific full-back with Real Madrid B, but when the gaffer called, Achraf Hakimi knew it was the time for big things. In an interview with L’Equipe, the Morrocan right-back recalled his memories of that Zinedine Zidane call and plenty of other issues …Zidane’s first call: ”I was with some friends, sitting on a bench in front of the house chatting and there the phone rings and it’s … Zidane! He tells me I’m going to play and not I expected it.” Achraf Hakimi in action with Getafe’s Cala while Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane looks on (©REUTERS/Sergio Perez)His departure from Madrid: ”I learned a lot from him. What happened in 2020 has nothing to do with him. These are other aspects linked, in particular, to Covid-19 and Real Madrid that made me leave. At that time, I had a conversation with him that would remain between us. He thought differently. “(1.25) PSG (7.00) MONTPELLIER (12.00)PSG and his relationship with Mbappe: “We are young, we have many things in common, the same things amuse us. This friendship makes us better and helps us to be complementary on the pitch. I received offers from PSG and Chelsea, and I had the intuition that I had to come to Paris, that I was going to be happy here. A few years ago, Pochettino already wanted me at Tottenham. “Mbappe and Hakimi (©John Berry/Getty Images)Playing with Messi: “For Messi to leave Barca, I did not expect it like everyone else. I have played with many great players, but Messi was missing. A dream for me. I was surprised by his way of behaving. He is simple, quiet man. “The decision to play for Morocco: “My culture is Moroccan: at home, we speak Arabic, we ate Moroccan food. I am a practising Muslim. I watched the matches in Morocco with my father, who told me a lot about the great players in the country. Later there were contacts with Spain, but I always liked playing with the Moroccan team. I am very well received there. I feel good there. One of the reasons why I came to Paris is the Arab Muslim community here. I knew culturally that I was going to feel at home. “Hakimi for Morocco against Spain (© Peter Lous/Soccrates/Getty Images)About Real Madrid: “Real Madrid is the club of my childhood, it is thanks to the one that I am here today. I was there for more than twelve years, and I am very grateful to this club. For the moment, I have not had the opportunity to succeed there. You never know what the future will be like.”
