On the eve of the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal on Wednesday 7th May at 9pm at the Parc des Princes, the Paris Saint-Germain defender appeared at the press conference and answered questions from the media. Here are some extracts.
Last season's experience
"We already played a semi-final last season. We know what we did well and what we didn't do well. That's something that will help us for tomorrow's game."
the atmosphere at the Parc des princes
"We know that tomorrow will be a very special evening for all Parisians. The atmosphere at the Parc des Princes is going to be incredible, and we know that outside the stadium too, the whole city will be behind us. I think our fans deserve to go to the final, so we're going to do everything we can to get there. We're going to do everything we can for them, to make them proud. They're going to be noisy, they're going to help us and they're going to put the pressure on Arsenal. I remember the game against Manchester City, we were losing but the fans were still behind us, and that helped us turn things around."
Gianluigi Donnarumma
"Gigio is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. We have great confidence in him. Some people have doubted him, but not us. We've always supported him. Having a goalkeeper of his calibre gives us a lot of peace of mind in matches."
Ousmane Dembélé
"Ousmane is a different kind of player. He makes you want to go and watch the game in the stadium, and he can change the course of a match at any moment. We're delighted to have him back in the squad. He's a very important player for us, but if he's not here tomorrow then another quality player will replace him. The team is the key to this Paris Saint-Germain side. It's what has characterised the club's project for two years now."
Playing styles
"The pressure of tomorrow is positive. All players dream of playing these matches. I don't think our style of play is going to change. The coach has given us a very clear message: whether we win or lose, we'll keep the same personality we've shown all this time, with or without the ball."
his role within the squad
"I try to help all the players in our team, especially the younger ones. It's an important role that I try to take on by setting an example on and off the pitch. I think that's the best thing I can do."
his development at the club
"I think this has been one of my best seasons. I have more confidence in myself and I feel more mature. Thanks to the experience I've gained, I feel better. I can still improve, that's my objective. My individual goals help me to improve, but the most important thing is to win with the team, both at club and international level. That's the best thing I can hope for."
Luis Enrique's importance to his development
"I've had some very good coaches throughout my career. I'm very grateful to all of them for helping me to become the player I am today. Luis Enrique helped me reach a level of play that I'd never even imagined. Thanks to that, I've become a more complete player. He gave me the freedom I needed."