Ilya Zabarnyi, a 23-year-old defender who arrived from Bournemouth last season, played a somewhat mixed role in Paris Saint-Germain’s massive season. Speaking to PSG’s official channel, the Ukrainian international reflected on his campaign and his ambitions for the season ahead.
Zabarnyi: “I feel like everyone helped me.”
You joined PSG almost a year ago to the day; what memories do you have of it?
“It was a special day; sometimes you start a new chapter in your life, and there are so many positive emotions. The memories come flooding back—it was incredible. There was so much love from the people, the fans. It’s hard joining a new club, but I feel like everyone helped me.
When I was young, I never thought about becoming a professional footballer. Things happen the way they’re meant to. So, when you grow up, get playing time, become a professional footballer, and join the biggest club in the world, you feel immense pride. That’s what football is like: you can win, you can lose, but you just have to stay steady and keep working as hard as you can.”
Zabarnyi: “I want to keep improving and do everything I can.”
In which area of your career have you improved the most this year?
“I think it’s in terms of leadership. Last year, I was my country’s captain; that forced me to think about the whole team, all my teammates. So, I’ve made huge strides in that area this season. But I want to keep improving and do everything I can.”
What is the first image that comes to mind when you think about that back-to-back Champions League run?
“We couldn’t believe it. It’s a source of immense pride.” “Sometimes you’re on a high when things happen quickly, but you have to keep your feet on the ground. You have to tell yourself, ‘Okay, I did my job well,’ or ‘I didn’t do enough.'”
Zabarnyi: “We’re starting the season with two huge matches.”
How is the return to training going?
“The most important thing is coming back feeling positive. There’s an incredible atmosphere leading up to this date and preparing for it. For our part, we just need to keep moving, stay fit, and be ready. The first matches are coming up very quickly.”
The first challenge is the Super Cup against Aston Villa; how are you approaching that match?
“We just need to do the same things we always do. We can win, we can lose—that’s football. But the way I see it, we’re a big team, we have a solid squad, and obviously, we want to win. We’re starting the season with two huge matches, and it’s great preparation.”
What are PSG’s ambitions for this season?
“We want to achieve everything possible. Taking it one game at a time. Staying focused and moving forward step by step with every match and every trophy.”
And the PSG fans?
“They’re simply exceptional. They support you wherever you go. When we play away, I see them making so much noise and showing so much energy; they pass that energy on to us and create such an amazing atmosphere. My first steps at the Parc des Princes were incredible.”
