FRANCE: Marco Asensio believes he “has a lot to offer” Paris Saint-Germain in their latest bid for a first Champions League title, having previously lifted the trophy three times with Real Madrid.
The 28-year-old joined PSG on a free transfer from Madrid in the summer but missed more than two months of action with a leg injury.
However, he has been a key player since the winter break, starting the last three Ligue 1 games and scoring twice.
PSG host Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday as they hope to avoid a third straight first-round exit from the competition.
Asensio knows what it takes to go all the way, having won the title in 2017, 2018 and 2022 with Real and scoring in the final seven years ago against Juventus.
“My football, my experience and my leadership,” he told AFP when asked what he brings to the rebuilding of PSG’s young squad after the departures of Lionel Messi and Neymar.
“I have been in the football world for a long time, I have had my share of success and I believe that I have something to offer.
“I can be an example and a source of inspiration for the club’s young players.”
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PSG are still waiting to lift the European Cup for the first time despite reaching the knockout stages in 12 consecutive seasons under their Qatari owners.
The front three of Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe failed to deliver the trophy.
Asensio was one of 13 new signings in the close season, along with fellow forwards Goncalo Ramos, Randal Kolo Muani, Ousmane Dembele and Lee Kang-in.
The Spain international is confident that the new squad under new coach Luis Enrique can compete in the latter stages of Europe’s biggest club competition.
“We are on the right track with the club, the staff and the players, we are united and I believe we can do great things,” he added.
“We all get along well and are very ambitious. We have already won the title (Champions’ Trophy) and soon, in a very short time, the league, the French Cup and the Champions League, all three very important to be decided.
“Our goal is to win all the competitions we compete in.”
Former Spain and Barcelona boss Luis Enrique took charge before the start of the season and PSG have continued to improve after a slow start to the campaign.
The reigning French champions look set to comfortably defend their league title as they sit 11 points clear of second-placed Nice at the top of the table.
PSG made it through their Champions League group as runners-up to Borussia Dortmund and are unbeaten in 16 games in all competitions since losing to AC Milan in November.
“The relationship is good,” Asensio said of playing under his former Spain boss Luis Enrique.
“Having worked with him in the national team, I already knew his working method, what he expects from the team and what he demands from each player.
“He’s a very demanding coach and to be honest one of the best I’ve ever had in terms of his discipline and professionalism, his standards for himself and for us.”
PSG avoided Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Manchester City, who have each knocked them out in the last three seasons, despite failing to win Group F by drawing in the last 16.
But Asensio warned his teammates to avoid any complacency against Real Sociedad, who have not reached the quarter-finals since 1983.
“The games will be difficult,” Asensio said. “La Real is a team I know well, they play very good football, very efficient…
“It will be a complicated game over two legs but we will do everything to beat them and qualify.”
