A Parisian between 2012 and 2016 after five years at Napoli, Ezequiel Lavezzi, who today plays for Hebei Fortune in China, looks back on the good times in the French capital and ahead to this week's UEFA Champions League encounter between his former clubs.
Ezequiel, firstly, how's things in China?
"Everything is going very well. I didn't quite know what to expect at the start, but I can tell you today that I feel great. I'm happy to be here in a country that is doing all it can for football to develop, it's something you can feel and makes you happy to see it."
What are the memories that spring to mind when you think about your time in Paris?
"Only good memories! There are so many nice things in Paris, great places, I had some great times and I felt a lot of love from everyone. That's without doubt my best memory. I grew up there as a player and as a person."
Do you still follow Paris Saint-Germain's results?
"Of course, even more than that, I follow their results, I watch their games, I speak a lot to my former teammates. I'm still friends with many of them. I felt really good at that club and I'll always be part of the family."
Do you remember a Champions League match in particular with Paris?
"The Champions League is a very special competition. It's very difficult to win it, because you're taking on the best teams in Europe. And there are a lot of teams equipped to win it. I don't know if I have a particular game in mind, I remember above all we had the means to go far. And the fact I didn't win it at Paris is something painful for me."
Paris Saint-Germain and Napoli meet on Tuesday. That's going to be a special game fo you?
"They're the two teams I carry in my heart. Of course it'll be a special moment for me. But it's above all a very important game for the two teams because qualification is at stake. They both know that they have to win if they want to have a chance of getting into the knockout stage. Napoli are a compact team, the players are always well positioned on the pitch. They showed some good things in the first game, it's up to Paris to show they are stronger and can get the win. One thing is certain, it'll be a great game."