Paulina Dudek: 'Paris is a second home for me'

Paulina, you've just extended your contract. What does it mean to you?

"I'm very happy to be extending my contract for the next two seasons. I've never hidden the fact that Paris is a second home for me. We've already won several titles together and, of course, I'm convinced we'll win more. I'm very motivated and also touched because the club has put its trust in me. That's why I can't wait to get back out on the pitch. It's a very special day for me."

You moved to Paris over six years ago. What convinced you to continue your adventure with Les Rouge et Bleu?

"It's simple, I know that this team is capable of winning every title every season, and that's enough to motivate me! I've got this feeling that I'm going to make even more progress and help the team. I want to continue here with everyone at the club, so that we can win more titles together."

Unfortunately, you've suffered some serious injuries over the last two years. Is extending your contract an important sign of confidence?

"I think it's because the club knows me. They know that I'm a hard-working person who always tries to give everything for the club and its colours. So I think that's why they trust me. Of course, it also shows me that I'm important to the club, and I'm happy that the adventure is continuing."

When you're away from the pitch for a long time, how do you stay motivated and come back stronger?

"I'm not going to hide the fact that it wasn't easy. When you suffer your first serious injury, you can tell yourself that it's a challenge, that you have to work and that you'll come back stronger. But when it happens a second time, it's hard. It's really hard to explain why it happened. Why me? But that's life. Afterwards, I knew I had the best conditions to come back, even after my second injury. I had a lot of confidence from the staff and the girls, so I had no choice!"

And today, can you tell us a little more about how these last few weeks have gone for you, and how you see the next steps before we see you back on the pitch?

"I now think that at every training session I'll be working witht he rst of the team most of the time. But alongside that, I'm also going to be doing some additional work because I still have to avoid contact for the time being, so I think that's going to take a few more weeks. After that, I think I'll be able to play fully with the team again."

You can tell that the club is counting on you. We can imagine that you're keen to get back to your best and be a major player for Paris Saint-Germain again in the future?

"I don't want to get ahead of myself. But I'm happy to see that there's a lot of quality among the girls who play in my position, and that motivates me a lot. I'm glad there's this competition. I'm working hard and I want to be back on the pitch in top form."

We know that you're much appreciated here at the club, and by the fans too, who are eagerly awaiting your return. Is that something that gives you strength?

"Yes, of course it does. That's also why I want to be back on the pitch in top form. Maybe not right away, but in great shape. The atmosphere we've had at every match with the fans at the stadium... it's hard to explain what you feel inside your body. I'm really grateful when we get to the stadium, and I hope the fans will be there for us until the end of the season."

Even though you're not yet fit to play, you're still an important part of the squad. Do you think you have a role to play at the end of this intense season?

"Yes, I'd like to be in good shape to give the girls some energy, because I know it's not an easy season. They're going to need a lot of pep, so I'm going to try to do my best and bring my qualities to the table. Even if I'm not at my best yet, I'm going to try and bring a bit more competition onto the pitch!"