Jean (1970-1972) and Youri (1995-1996) Djorkaeff both wrote glorious chapters in the club's history.
Jean was one of the club's very first pros, and has great memories of his time in Paris. "I was really proud when I signed for Paris Saint-Germain. When a club is created, a young club, it's not easy. But our aim was to achieve great things. We started in the National division, which is equivalent of the second division today, and we managed to get promoted in the very first year. But we needed courage and determination to get there."
Youri: 'The Parc was my playground'
Youri's attachment to the club is just as strong. "Because Paris is magical! There has always been that atmosphere around the club that drew me to it. After two great experiences at Strasbourg and Monaco, I owed it to myself to play for the best in France. The best in France is Paris Saint-Germain. I also had had a connection to the club since I was young. My dad played here at the Parc des Princes and it was my playground as a kid. I have a lot of memories of the Parc even before I came here as a player."
In spite of spending just a season at the club, the 'Snake' left his mark on fans and team alike. With 20 goals and seven assists in 47 competitive games, he picks out the 1995/96 season as one of the most memorable and significant in his career. "I don't have any bad memories, even of the defeats, but the strength of this club is that you are always trying to better yourself. I think that gave me strength to achieve incredible things, whether it be with Inter Milan or the French national team, it's the Parc des Princes. I fed off the Parc, the fans, the incredible atmospheres, and the city of Paris, which is magnificent."
While Youri's moments of genius left their mark, the values instilled by Jean during his two-year spell at the club also had a major impact: "At the start, I was captain because I had the most experience and therefore the most patience. It's a great responsibility to have had this role." Youri tried to follow in his father's footsteps in every sense: "I had some great times when my father brought me to the after-match warm-downs. There was a great atmosphere, the smell of the pitch and the shirts. It leaves a mark on you, even if there was less media focus than there is now. I knew my dad had a special job. I was also fortunate enough to see him with his friends, former players. There was a real camaraderie between them, which left its mark on me."
Jean: 'Youri was different to the others'
Youri, who would go on to be a World Cup and EURO winner, did follow his father's example, leaving Jean incredibly proud: "Youri only played a season at the club, but he was fantastic. He entertained everyone and the fans were impressed by his performances on the pitch. He was different to the others in the way he was in front of goal and by his better-than-average technique." Youri's fantastic year was crowned by the 1-0 win over Rapid Vienna in the Cup Winners' Cup final
Youri's fabulous goal against Deportivo La Coruna also stands out in his memory: "There was pressure on the club before this semi-final because there had been three years of the 'trauma' of losing semi-finals. I was coming back from injury and I was certain I could turn the game if I played. I had felt good in training the day before. My teammates were convinced I would make the difference, that something was going to happen. I felt it too." It came in the 90th minute at the Razor with a stunning 25-yard strike.
It was a goal worthy of an excellent Parisian display: "There wasn't just me in that team. Bernard Lama was exceptional in that game, as were Fournier, Colleter, N’Gotty, Roche... That goal was achieved thanks to the work of everyone. From the players to the staff, as well as the fans." Youri signed off at Paris Saint-Germain with a hat-trick against Bastia (5-1, 18/05/96). It was a fitting end for a player who was given quite a send-off by the fans: "That game was a real celebration for me. There was a real connection with the fans. I knew it was my last game, and the chants of 'Youri est magique' (Youri is magical) will stay forever in my heart."