Achraf Hakimi describes how Antonio Conte convinced him to join Inter and why they have a project that ‘can take us to dominate Italy and Europe.’
He has made a huge impact in the title-winning campaign, contributing seven goals and nine assists.
“There are three moments that really sum up our season: our exit from Europe, the victory over Juventus and the second Milan derby win that allowed us to go four points clear of the Rossoneri,” Hakimi told La Gazzetta dello Sport magazine Sportweek.
Achraf Hakimi describes how Antonio Conte convinced him to join Inter and why they have a project that ‘can take us to dominate Italy and Europe.’
He has made a huge impact in the title-winning campaign, contributing seven goals and nine assists.
“There are three moments that really sum up our season: our exit from Europe, the victory over Juventus and the second Milan derby win that allowed us to go four points clear of the Rossoneri,” Hakimi told La Gazzetta dello Sport magazine Sportweek.
“When we were eliminated from the Champions League and all European competition, we told ourselves that we couldn’t let the league slip through our fingers too.”
The announcement of his €40m transfer from Real Madrid was something of a surprise in September, following a two-year loan spell at Borussia Dortmund.
“I was convinced by the ambition of the project at this club and Conte’s words in our first phone call. He called to ask what I wanted from my future, then explained how we would play and my decisive role in his aggressive style of football, as the fifth man between defence and midfield.
“Then, he said we would win. We talked a lot and, seeing how things went, I can say that I made the right choice. I knew that straight away.
“Conte’s greatest strength is that he brings everything out of his players. He taught me to focus not just about attacking, but also defending, and I learned an aspect of the game that I didn’t really know very well. I have improved a great deal over the last year.
“He works on the details and that makes it easier for us once we are in a match situation, knowing there are no surprises, because we prepared for every situation we might face.”
Hakimi has not the slightest intention of walking away from this Inter project, as he has big plans.
“There is a project here that started with the arrival of Conte and several young players. If it continues, we could open up a whole era that can take us to dominate Italy and Europe.
“We’ve already changed our mentality, as winning the Scudetto made us stronger mentally, so we’ve now got what it takes to be protagonists in the Champions League.
“I am very happy here, so are my wife and my son Amin. I cannot know what the future holds, but I am happy here now and hope to continue playing and winning here for a long time to come.”