Senny Mayulu, Paris Saint-Germain’s 19-year-old attacking midfielder, is this season’s revelation for the Titis. His first steps last year were more than convincing, enabling him to join the professional squad this season. Speaking to Free Foot, he gave an interview on the La Relève program, in which he talked about his career path and his inspirations.
Mayulu “When I was little I used to watch Zlatan.”
What does the Parc des Princes mean to you?
“When I was little I dreamed of playing here. And to be able to play here now is incredible. Even empty with all the colors, it’s magnificent. And with the ultras I can’t let you imagine. When they sing and stuff, frankly it’s incredible.”
Which player made you dream when you were a kid?
“When I was little, I used to watch Zlatan. It wasn’t necessarily my position, but that player had a hell of a charisma. There was Verratti too. You had to love that player.”
Mayulu “now it’s a point of pride to be able to register with this club.”
How did you get to PSG in the youth ranks?
“I arrived a year early at pre-training. At first it was a bit difficult because I was still growing. A lot of injuries. Then things evolved over time at U17 and U19 level. I managed to have some good seasons. Then last year I joined the pro squad with Luis Enrique. So now it’s a point of pride to be registered with this club.”
You’re a bit of an example now for the club’s youngsters.
“Of course, I try to inspire the younger ones, like my friends too. I try to pull them up. Because I want them to succeed like I do.”
Mayulu “Presnel was there. He’s Titi’s dad”.
How did your integration into the pro group go?
“It happened quite naturally, Presnel was there. He’s the father of the “Titi”, and every time there’s a Titi he takes him under his wing. So yeah, he integrated me well, after Ousmane too.”
What was your first pro match like?
“My first pro match was a bit stressful. In the Coupe de France, it was fine after that. But it was still a good bit of stress when I got out on the pitch, I was relaxed.
After that, all you have is adrenalin. Then in the second round I managed to score a goal. It was a beautiful dive, so frankly it was incredible. I thought of my father and grandfather at that moment, because they were the ones who coached me when I was a kid.”
Mayulu “I have a lot of mental strength. I don’t give up even if it’s difficult.”
Six months on, did you score in Ligue 1 against Strasbourg?
“Incredible, really incredible. What’s more, I’d already scored against Clermont, but that was cancelled. I had a bit of a chip on my shoulder and I got my revenge. Plus it was at the Parc, so it was really incredible.”
How would you describe yourself as a player?
“I’ve got a lot of mental fortitude. I don’t give up, even if it’s difficult. I grew up in this environment with my family. So I never give up.”
Mayulu “It’s a soccer match, we’ve always worked to get here”.
How is your relationship with your coach?
“I’m enjoying it. In the beginning I had a bit of trouble with my bearings and so on. But he gave me good advice, even the other players on the team who have more experience gave me advice.
The coach talks to me at the end of training sessions, and at the start of training sessions he corrects me so that I’m in the right place, and so on. Frankly, I have a good relationship with him. He always tries to put the youngsters first, so I really thank him for that.”
You’re lucky to be a Titi who’s about to experience something incredible with his club. How do you feel about that?
“First of all, it’s incredible, my first full year in the Champions League. I really hope we win it. We’re going to do everything we can.
And if we do, it’ll be historic. I’m feeling good, a bit of pressure but I’m fine. It’s a soccer match and we’ve always worked hard to get here. So now we’ve got to get on with the job.”
