Julian Draxler, the 31-year-old German attacking midfielder now playing for Al-Ahli SC (Qatar), opened up to Le Parisien about his painful departure from Paris Saint-Germain. After six years in Paris (2017–2023), including a loan spell at Benfica in 2023, he was asked to leave and sent to train with the “loft” (the group of unwanted players separated from the first team). A difficult episode, but one that doesn’t tarnish his fond feelings for Paris and his Champions League triumph.
Draxler: “I regret the way this adventure ended.”
Did you ever doubt yourself at any point in your career?
“Yes, of course, it’s no secret. But overall, I am very satisfied today. I have a lot of love for PSG — I had some wonderful years there. It was a team full of stars and it was not always easy for me to find my place. I regret the way the adventure ended after spending six seasons at the club. It was a great experience. But when I came back from my loan at Benfica in 2023, PSG made it clear: they no longer counted on me.”
Draxler: “I will never speak badly about PSG, but the loft situation was hard.”
I wanted to find a project that suited me. I felt the end was near, and if I was able to sign in Qatar, it was thanks to PSG for reasons everyone knows. I still have a good relationship with the club and with President Nasser, and I’m doing very well today. (…)
I didn’t necessarily feel less talented than some other players who were still part of the plans. Maybe that’s just my ego speaking. But I accepted the decision. I’ll never speak badly about PSG, though the loft situation was tough.”
Draxler: “I was very happy to see them celebrate.”
On PSG finally winning the Champions League:
“I’m glad they managed to do it. It was a special day for me because they won on the same day I got married in Paris. I couldn’t watch the whole match, but I managed to sneak a look on my phone during the ceremony (laughs). I was very happy to see them celebrate their success in the city, but at the same time, I thought: I would have loved to be there too, to win that first Champions League.”
Draxler: “I’ll be happy if even one or two fans remember me.”
On PSG supporters:
“It was a real honor to play for PSG. I’m a little disappointed with the way it ended, but I’m sure I’ll be back at the Parc soon. I don’t want a big farewell, but I’ll be happy if one or two fans still remember me.”
His words are understandable and appreciated for their honesty. Being sidelined in training is undoubtedly a hard experience. Even when a club makes it clear they want you to leave, being separated from the group — even alongside other players — is a painful reminder. It’s no surprise that this practice has been criticized.
There is a logic to it, of course: training sessions can’t run with an unlimited number of players, and the atmosphere must remain balanced. Sometimes it’s even necessary to “help” certain players realize it’s time to move on. But it remains an unpleasant process.
Still, Draxler has kept positive feelings toward PSG and its fans. He even followed the Champions League final during his wedding — as much as he could — and his joy for the team’s success seems genuine. So is his hope not to be forgotten, which are touching words in themselves.
A return to the Parc des Princes would be fitting, with many fans likely to salute a talented player who simply lacked consistency, and who wasn’t always helped by the team dynamics or constant positional changes.
