Achraf: “It bothers me that people say I didn’t want to fight for the position, Madrid decided otherwise”

Achraf Hakimi’s career is on the up. After two successful years at Borussia Dortmund, where the fullback played in a variety of positions and some of the biggest matches in the world, Achraf has now been crowned Serie A champion with Inter Milan. The Moroccan became a key figure in Antonio Conte’s title winning side and has cemented himself as one of the best attacking fullbacks in the world. Ending Juventus’ 9 year dominance of the Italian Championship was no mean feat.

In a momentary break from celebrations, Achraf spoke with late-night Spanish television show, El Chiringuito, regarding his exit from Madrid and his plans for the future.

“No, I have not had the chance to speak with Zidane,” Achraf responded when questioned on his former manager. “He has not yet congratulated me. I don’t know if Madrid have a right of first refusal or not, I assume that they might”.

There was very little talk around Achraf’s recent success with Inter, instead the program focused on a potential return to Madrid. “Return? Madrid had their opportunity at the time. Madrid is my home, and I would have liked to have played there, but they decided otherwise. It annoys me that people said I was afraid to win the position. I felt empowered. I don’t know if Zidane or the club decided on my departure. With the pandemic, I had to leave,” Achraf explained.

Despite many feeling it was the Moroccan’s decision to leave for a starting role at another club, it appears the club felt their hand was forced given the financial constraints of the pandemic. In another world, where the global population was not ravaged by the Coronavirus pandemic, Achraf Hakimi may have very well played for Real Madrid in the 2020-2021 season.