Lucas Hernandez: 'Paris Saint-Germain has become my second family'

A united and solid squad 

"It's very important to have this bond between all the players, not just on the pitch, but also off it. People only see what's happening during the match or sometimes in training, but they don’t see everything that happens outside, like the breakfasts we have together, the moments in the gym, with the physios, the trips… We spend so much time together! I spend more time with them, with my teammates, than with my wife! And so you’re forced to have a good connection, a strong bond with your teammates, your partners. And that’s what makes the difference on the field too. When everyone gets along, when there’s a good understanding. Everyone wants to achieve the same goal."

HIS COMEBACK FROM INJURY IN SALZBURG

"I didn’t think I’d play because I had only been training with the team for a week, and that’s when we scored the second goal. The coach came to see me and asked if I wanted to play. When I told him yes, of course, he asked me to go warm up, and I went like a 17-year-old kid. My first match, fully committed. It’s never easy coming back from injury. But when you return and feel everything that a football match means, with the atmosphere... And on top of that, in a Champions League match, which makes it even stronger, even more intense. These are moments of pride and happiness."

crazy MANCHESTER CITY

"Incredible feelings... I was on the bench and then came on. So, when I was on the bench, I was admiring the supporters' performance! They’re incredible. It's true, from start to finish, they didn't stop. They were really our 12th man. And even when we were losing 2-0, they were there. Often, in other stadiums, if you're 2-0 down, you're almost eliminated... The boos come, and people leave. But here... That's when they pushed even harder. They were behind us. They’re also part of the madness of that night."

THE MENTAL APPROACH

"In a career, you never know what can happen. And unfortunately, I've had those two big injuries in my career. But the most important thing is the mentality. If you’re mentally strong and calm... I knew from the moment I got injured that I would come back. It’s true that when you return, you always need time to get back to your maximum, to 100%, or to where you were before. There’s a point where you’ll reach your previous level. I know that. I know mentally I’ll come back to how I was before my injury. It takes time. But I know that little by little, I’ll get back to 100%."

FAMILY 

"For me, Paris Saint-Germain has become like a second family. It’s a great club, very family-oriented. When we talk about Paris Saint-Germain, people on the outside, even fans, the ultras, can say it’s a huge club. And it's true, it’s a huge club. And I can guarantee you that when you experience everything from the inside, everyone feels the same way. We are a family, we’re all together, and that’s what makes the difference here at PSG."