Hakimi and his first Nerazzurri goal: “I want to be useful to this team”

BENEVENTO - This train didn’t take any time to get going at all: the conductor blew his whistle, and Achraf was off down the right-hand flank. It wasn’t long until his first assist for Lukaku against Fiorentina, and tonight it came even faster. It took less than 30 seconds for Hakimi to find our big Belgian in the middle, already making his second assist in Nerazzurri colours. But he didn’t stop there: he also netted his first goal in an Inter shirt, becoming just the second Moroccan in our history to do so (after Kharja, French by birth but naturalised Moroccan).

A flying start which he commented on in his post-match interview: “I’m really happy with how I’ve been welcomed into the group and settled into the team: I understand what the Coach wants from me and I’m working hard every day to improve. I’ve already played this position at Dortmund and some things are the same, I think I’ve got the qualities to succeed, my teammates are helping me a lot and I’m looking to learn everything quickly to be useful to Inter.

“Our work is aimed at competing right until the end. We’ve got a great team and we’re fighting to try and win something.”

Hakimi also spoke to Inter TV about his special celebration with Alexis, both players saluting with a smile: “I often joke about with Sanchez and Lautaro in training, we were simply happy about the goal, it’s a team celebration.”

Hakimi gave his shirt to a child in the stands after the game: “I did it myself as a kid, asking the players for their shirts. It’s always nice to bring a bit of joy to your supporters, especially if they’re kids.”