Mamadou Sakho: “Proud of the values embodied by this team”

Men's football•

While visiting the PSG Campus to support the Paris Saint-Germain U18 team ahead of the Gambardella Cup final, which the youngsters won 3-2 against Montpellier Hérault SC, the former capital club defender (201 official matches and seven goals between 2007 and 2013) took the opportunity to chat with PSG TV about the UEFA Champions League final clash with Arsenal FC at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary, on Saturday 30 May (18:00).

Mamad', Les Rouge et Bleu are set to face the Gunners this Saturday in their bid to secure a second consecutive Champions League title. How do you view the club’s development?

“For me, it takes time for a club to become great. I think Paris Saint-Germain has built itself up. We’ve had to go through tough times, very tough times indeed, but that’s all part of building a history that’s becoming increasingly solid. Today is the crowning glory! We’ve managed to lift the big-eared trophy and bring it back to the Eiffel Tower. We have nothing to regret. Everything that happened at Paris Saint-Germain was meant to happen so that we could savour these moments even more and hope to secure a second victory. At the start of the season, no one thought we were capable of reaching the final again... and we did it! I now hope we can bring it back to Paris once more.”

In your opinion, is reaching two consecutive finals a remarkable achievement?

“For me, it’s not a remarkable achievement because nothing happens by chance. It’s just that Luis Enrique has that determination, and so do the players. The coach has a very clear message, and the players have taken it on board and put it into practice on the pitch. You see a young team having fun together out there, putting in a massive effort, all together. We often talk about results, but you also have to look at how those results are achieved. It’s not just a case of lacing up your boots and going out onto the pitch. The lads give their all in every match, going all out to get the results. They have a mental strength that is simply exceptional. The Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich illustrated this perfectly. That attacking flair, that defensive solidity, against a very strong side... That sums up Paris Saint-Germain today. They always manage to tip the balance in their favour, and there’s a reason for that.”

As a PSG youth academy graduate, are you proud of this team?

“Of course! I’m proud - proud of the values embodied by this team, the coach, the Chairman and the club as a whole. When you’re a Parisian, you can’t help but be proud. They're a united team that pushes itself to the limit in every match and celebrates together afterwards. Pushing oneself to the limit, joy, talent… It’s just exceptional.”

To conclude, a quick word about the fans, who will be turning out in force in Budapest… and in Paris!

“They’re the best fans in France. Whenever Paris Saint-Germain play away, they make a huge impression on the host cities. Many are impressed from the moment they arrive, as well as both before and during the match. What’s more, we usually win, and it’s a party! It’s naturally a source of pride to see the club so united, and to achieve the results we’ve been waiting for. I think it’s a source of satisfaction for everyone – the players, the fans and everyone who works at the club.”

Mamadou Sakho: “Proud of the values embodied by this team”

In this article