Lucas Digne, the 33-year-old French national team left-back who signed with Paris Saint-Germain from Aston Villa this summer, spoke to the media this Thursday at the PSG Campus. It was an opportunity to look back on his arrival at PSG, as well as discuss his adaptation and his goals.
Digne: “I don’t think you can turn that down.”
Did Luis Enrique’s presence play a role in your signing? Did knowing some of the players matter too?
It was very important, because I know the coach from Barcelona; I knew his winning mentality. Returning to France was important too, and I already knew several teammates. Everything was important; it was a good mix.
Did the coach need to speak to you to convince you?
No, he didn’t have to say much. When PSG comes calling… well, they are the reigning European champions, one of the biggest clubs in the world right now. I don’t think you can turn that down.
Digne: “A lot of things have changed.”
How has PSG evolved since your first stint here?
“A lot of things have changed. The club has grown in stature and reached a new level. Starting with the Campus—it’s impressive, the facilities are top-tier—and then there’s the coach, who is putting his own stamp on things. A lot of things have changed.”
Is it difficult to adapt to the style of play?
It’s a different style of play, too. It takes a bit of time and a lot of hard work.
Is it similar to Barça?
No, no. It’s different; Luis Enrique is constantly adapting to the game.
Digne: “When the team is firing on all cylinders, there will be a difference too.”
A difficult start to the season?
We won the European Super Cup. After that, I think things were a bit more complicated because there was less preparation time. That said, it’s not an excuse—it’s just a fact. Not everyone is at 100% yet, but we’ll get there, and when the team is firing on all cylinders, it’ll make a difference too.
Is the goal to win the Champions League?
Of course; you start a competition to win it. Especially when you’re the defending champion.
Digne: “If I had to worry after three matches, that would be sad.”
Worried about your personal situation?
No, not at all. It’s a process of adaptation; it requires a lot of things. If I had to worry after just three matches, that would be pretty sad.
Was it hard to enjoy the holidays after the defeat?
No, I made the most of the time with my family.
Digne: “It was really funny.”
Did you keep the transfer a secret?
“During the World Cup, it was tricky because I wanted to talk about it—naturally, you get excited about a challenge like that. But I had clauses in place and couldn’t speak, so I absolutely had to keep it a secret.
When the news broke, it was funny because everyone brought it up, and we could finally start talking about it together a bit. They teased me a little.”
Can you tell us about it?
We were at training—the day before the match against Paraguay, if I recall correctly. They came up and mentioned it to me on the bus, all in good fun. ‘Oh right, it’s a done deal—you didn’t tell us anything.’ No, it was really funny.
