Hakimi: "I'll give my all: Inter fans, we'll do great things"

APPIANO GENTILE - Inter fans had their first chance to get in touch with Achraf Hakimi today, as the new Nerazzurri full-back chatted with supporters via a live chat. The young Moroccan discussed many topics, from the emotions at starting a new adventure in Milan to his childhood heroes. The chat, hosted live on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Inter TV, saw Nerazzurri fans act as the interviewers, submitting their own questions to be posed to the player.

Why did you choose Inter and what do you expect? "I chose Inter because I think the coach’s style is similar to my way of playing and that could be very helpful to the team. We’ll try to get some big results and of course we’ll try to win the Scudetto."

What do you think of Antonio Conte?"He’s a great coach, with a really competitive mindset. He’s got a really great passion for football and he gives that to the players, fans and everyone at the Club. His motivation allows the team to by alive and lively in every game."

Are you the heir to Maicon? "Maicon was an incredible full-back, with a lot of physicality. Obviously I’d like to follow in his footsteps, but I hope to go my own way and by remembered like he is in the fans’ hearts."

You’re coming off the back of a great season in the Bundesliga; how important was it as an experience and what differences do you expect from Serie A? "Playing in Germany allowed me to grow. I gained more trust, experience and maturity. It was a great experience, now I expect to play in a more tactical league."

Have you already been able to discover Milan?"I haven’t been able to explore the city too much yet. I’ve tried a few great restaurants; I’ll have time to get to know it bet. I’m sure I’ll like it."

What’s been the best moment of your career?"Definitely when I won the Champions League with Real Madrid. It was something I’d dreamed of ever since I was a kid. And the other one was being able to play at a World Cup with Morocco."

Who was your childhood hero?"Definitely Marcelo, I say it time and time again. I’ve always loved the way he plays, then I met him and could appreciate his personality even more - his happiness on and off the pitch."

In which position do you feel most comfortable? "Definitely on the wing, I feel best when playing out wide. I’ll always give 100%, not matter where I’m playing."

Do you like any sports other than football?"I play padel with my friends every now and then, I like basketball too."

You faced Inter at San Siro with Borussia Dortmund: what feelings did that give you?"It was a great experience; I could feel the fantastic atmosphere the fans created. Now I’ll be able to enjoy it on the home team."

Which past Inter player did you admire?"Samuel Eto’o, even though I don’t play in the same position as him, he was a source of inspiration. He made history. I always liked how he lived for football and that he’s a symbol of Africa too, my home."

How will you suit Conte’s 3-5-2 formation? "I’ll adapt well because we playing in the same system at Dortmund in the last year. With the quality we have in this team, it’ll be even easier."

Which Inter players do you know? "Mostly the ones who won the treble; there were a lot of great champions in that side. But so many great players have worn this jersey."

What did you think when you got the offer from Inter?"I thought it could be a great chance to grow. The fans here live for football in a special way. I’m at a great Club."

What team did you support as a child? "I’ve always been a Real Madrid fan. I developed there, from the time I was 7 years old, then I even played for them."

What are your objectives for the season?"The objective is the team’s: win the Scudetto is the main one, in order to bring happiness to the fans. Then, make progress in the Champions League and do better than we did last season."

Who is faster, you or Alphonso Davies?"A good challenge! He’s really quick. I don’t know who’d win between me and him. Certainly, watching him play is amazing."

The Derby against AC Milan is coming up soon, what do you think about that? "I just hope to win it, so that the fans can enjoy it. We want Milan to be Black and Blue."

What is your message for the Inter fans?"I’m here to give my all. We’re doing great things together and we’ll try to win a title or two!"