Khvicha, you arrived in Paris a few months ago... How are you settling in?
"I think the hardest thing is that a winter transfer can also be complicated for the coach, because you join the team in the middle of the season. The adjustment period is short, but I think I've settled in pretty well, thanks to the President, the staff, the coaches, the club and, of course, the players, who have given me a warm welcome. I feel really good here and that support helps me perform better on the pitch."
Why did the transfer happen mid-season, and why did you choose Paris specifically?
"To begin with, there were offers from a lot of teams, but a very big factor was the fact that PSG had shown interest the previous year as well. I had talks with the President, Sporting Director and the coach, and their desire for me to play for Paris Saint-Germain was probably the biggest contributing factor to my choice. And when I saw that the team wanted me so much and had so much confidence in me, I decided to come here. Also, the fact that there are great footballers playing here, and with them, it would be and is possible to win everything. That was also a big factor."
The fans have already taken you to their hearts...
"The fact that they welcomed me into the family so quickly and that I felt really happy and comfortable really helped me find my place on the pitch, and I'm doing my best to make the most of it. From the very first moment, I felt strong support from the fans. Then, when I stepped onto the pitch, I felt both happy and like a great footballer. It's all thanks to this club: it welcomes you in a way that allows you to believe in yourself and realise your value as a player. My first impression was that I felt like a top-level footballer who had joined a big club, and that means a lot to a player. The way the club makes you feel at ease plays a key role."
You've also had a chance to check out the PSG Campus. What did you think of it?
"There's really nothing to complain about: everything here is top notch. We have every opportunity to train individually and recover quickly. The PSG Campus is fully equipped. That helps us a lot, especially with so many matches played just three days apart. We use all the resources at the training centre, and that helps us enormously. Not to mention the psychological support and medical staff: they are always there for us. Whether you need rest or a personalised training session, this place has everything you need. All you have to do is focus on football and training, and the club takes care of everything else. That kind of support is extremely important for a player. And when you look at the players in the youth academy, with the facilities they have at their disposal, such as the support and the many rooms, it's clear that the club plays a major role in their development."
What do you think of the city?
"It's well known that Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and I'm really happy to be here and play for this club. Honestly, it's something unimaginable. Everything has gone perfectly: I live in a great city and am part of a great club. I think the city plays an important role, especially when you have a family living with you. It's important that the place be comfortable and peaceful. My family and I feel at home here, we're really happy. Today, I'm part of this team and I want to thank all my teammates for welcoming me and for telling me so much about the club and local life."
an you tell us about your relationship with Luis Enrique?
"The role of the coach is extremely important in a footballer's career. What has struck me most about him is his character and the way he treats his players. He makes you feel, both on and off the pitch, that you have to give your all, for the club and for all the fans. He treats you with such respect and clarity... We all know what kind of coach he is, but personally, it's his humanity that has impressed me the most, the way he communicates with the players and tells the story of football. I'm really happy to be here with him at such a great club."
You've just been crowned French champion... How do you feel?
"I'm obviously very happy to have won the title. That said, we still have a lot of goals to achieve. There's still a chance to win two more titles, and we'll give everything we've got on the pitch to achieve that. We're working hard to win what we deserve. We're giving it our all. We're still focused because nothing is decided yet. We'll have to give it our all."
You return to the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday with a trip to London. What does this competition mean to you?
"It's probably the biggest football tournament in my opinion. It's every footballer's dream to play in it. And everyone wants to win it, but it's incredibly difficult. Reaching this stage is difficult for any team. The name says it all: the Champions League. It's a tournament for champions, and every club has the ability and the skills to win it. We'll have to stay focused on our game, concentrate fully on every match and every moment."
Your goal against Aston Villa proved decisive in that double header...
"When you're aiming for the Champions League semi-finals and you score at such a crucial moment, at home, in front of your fans and for your team... It's probably the most important, happiest and most emotional goal I've ever scored. I was absolutely delighted. I hope I can continue to score even more beautiful and more meaningful goals."
After Liverpool and Aston Villa, it's time for another clash with an English club!
"On the one hand, it's great, but on the other, maybe not so much, because they study our matches, even if the reverse is also true. We follow their matches closely. It's really positive to have a better understanding of English football now, especially after playing teams like Liverpool and Aston Villa. It wasn't easy to face them on the pitch, but we gave it our all. I think it will have a positive impact and help us against Arsenal."