Hakimi confirms Chelsea snub
Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi completed a big-money move to Paris Saint-Germain during the transfer window and the player has now revealed that he had an offer to join Premier League club Chelsea as well.
Apparently, the Champions League winners submitted an offer to sign the highly-rated right-back but Hakimi chose to join the French outfit because he wanted to be a part of their dream team.
Paris Saint-Germain have put together an exceptional squad this summer and the signings of Sergio Ramos, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Gini Wijnaldum and Lionel Messi have improved the quality of the Ligue 1 side immensely.
It is no surprise that the top talents want to play alongside these players.
Hakimi said via Football London: “I had two offers, one from Chelsea and one from Paris Saint-Germain. But I felt I had to come to Paris, that I would have been happy there.
“PSG is a great club, I really appreciate the support the fans gave me straight away. I was lucky because so many other champions joined me.
“I feel good at PSG, we have a dream team and I’m happy to be a part of it.”
Hakimi reflects on Messi’s behaviour
Meanwhile, the talented young defender also reflected on his experience playing alongside Lionel Messi.
The former Inter Milan star has revealed that he has been left surprised by Messi’s demeanour in the dressing room so far.
According to him, the Argentine superstar is quite simple and subdued in his nature.
Hakimi was probably expecting a charismatic personality from the former Barcelona star but Messi’s humble outlook has taken him aback.
He said via Mirror: “Building a technical relationship with him is easy! I give him the ball, I run and he will put it where it belongs! (Laughs) I was surprised by the way he behaved, he is simple, quiet.”