Achraf Hakimi, currently a right-back for Paris Saint-Germain, recently made surprising remarks about his former club, Inter, and specifically about Denzel Dumfries, the Dutch winger who replaced him on Inter’s right flank. In an interview with Sky Sport via FCInterNews, the Moroccan defender admitted to feeling a certain “envy” toward his Inter counterpart, while praising his athletic and technical abilities.
Despite wearing the Inter jersey for just one season, Hakimi left an indelible mark on the club’s history. Under Antonio Conte’s guidance, he was a key protagonist in the Scudetto triumph of the 2020/21 season, a title that brought Inter back to the top of Italian football after years of waiting. His performances didn’t go unnoticed, leading PSG to invest nearly €60 million to secure his services. Since then, Hakimi has become a symbol of the Parisian club, even taking on the role of vice-captain.
Meanwhile, Inter turned to Denzel Dumfries to fill the void left by Hakimi. The Dutch international quickly adapted to Inter’s system and, season after season, has proven to be a vital asset. His ability to make runs into the box, provide decisive assists, and contribute defensively makes him a complete player, capable of leaving his mark in crucial matches.
One such match looms on the horizon: the 2025 Champions League final, pitting PSG against Inter. It’s a fascinating clash, rich with significance, not only for the trophy at stake but also for the intertwined stories of its protagonists. Hakimi, who already won the Champions League in 2018 with Real Madrid, will face the club that launched him into elite football. On the other side, Dumfries, the man who inherited his role in Milan, will aim to prove his worth on Europe’s grandest stage.
Speaking about the match, Hakimi said: “I’m calm and try to do what I do every day. I already won a Champions League in 2018 with Real Madrid, but I was very young then. I remember watching the more experienced players and learning a lot from them. Now, though, I feel I can be a protagonist.”
This statement hints at his desire to make a difference and cement his legacy in Paris. However, Hakimi also revealed he hasn’t had direct contact with his former Inter teammates, though he maintains an indirect professional connection with Lautaro Martinez through their shared agency. “Lautaro spoke with my agent, we exchanged a few messages, but we haven’t talked directly yet. Inter has a crucial match for the Scudetto, so I’ll wait to speak with him. We both need to stay focused on our goals.”
These words show respect for his former team and the personal ties that, despite his transfer, haven’t entirely faded. But it’s his praise for Dumfries that has particularly struck fans and pundits. Hakimi highlighted the tactical differences between playing in a back five, as Inter often does, and a back four, as at PSG, but he didn’t hesitate to acknowledge his “rival’s” quality.
“I see he scores a lot of goals. It’s easier to do that in a back five. With a back four, it’s different. But that said, Denzel is a great player. I really like his strength in headers. He’s very good in the air, whereas I’m not strong in that area. It’s the one quality I’d like to learn from him.”
This sincere praise underscores the mutual respect and admiration that can exist between professionals, even as they prepare to face off in the year’s most important match. The 2025 Champions League final promises to be a spectacle, and the personal duel between Hakimi and Dumfries is just one of many battles that will make the encounter even more captivating.
