Eric Junior Dina-Ebimbe: 'Repay the faith shown in me'

Eric, YOU'RE NOW A PRO AT PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN. THAT'S FANTASTIC...

"After a long road, I've fulfilled a dream, which is playing for my favourite club, the club that I love in the city where I grew up. My parents were really proud to be with me when I signed my first professional contract. That's something I'll never forget. I've got a lot of great memories, but that one was truly incredible."

WE CAN IMAGINE IT'S NOT EASY TO GET TO THAT POINT...

"There are more difficult times. When I went from the pre-youth academy to the Youth Academy, for example. You're starting to grow, there are physical problems that come along, and not everything happens as you would hope. The coaches are more demanding, there's more competition for places, and of course there are moments when you doubt yourself. But you have to stay focussed and keep your feet on the ground, and work to keep improving."

WHICH PLAYERS HAVE BEEN INSPIRATION FOR YOUNG PLAYERS AT THE CLUB?

"Presnel is an example for us. His career path, his bravery...We know that even if it's difficult at the start, you mustn't give up, and keep working. He's a real role model for me, because with work and perseverance, you can achieve anything."

YOU'VE ALSO PLAYED IN THE YOUTH LEAGUE. WHAT HAS THAT GIVEN YOU?

"You learn a lot in the Youth League. It's the first international competition you play, there's a lot of intensity, and it's different from the league. You play different opponents, who are very good, and there's a little pressure because you have to play well. It's also by playing in the Youth League that I understood that I was taking steps forward and the work I was doing in training was paying off."

YOU'VE PLAYED SOME IMPORTANT GAMES THIS SEASON, SUCH AS THE TROPHÉE DES CHAMPIONS...

"I was very happy, because it's not a given for just anyone to start a game with Paris Saint-Germain. The coach put his faith in me, but I stayed professional, and it was in an important game. All I wanted to do was pay back the faith he'd shown in me. That's all I had in mind."