As the former vice-captain of Paris Saint-Germain, Kimpembe is now away from France playing for Qatar Sports in Qatar. In an exclusive interview with Foot Mercato, he discussed PSG's Champions League triumph and other topics.

About Paris Saint-Germain winning the Champions League

It is an indescribable feeling. I'm a player who came through the club's academy, I've spent my entire career here and I've been working towards this moment for many years. We had our failures, but we stood up and showed resilience, which is not easy. I've always said that the pressure in Paris is different from other clubs. I would rather win it once with Paris than five times with Real Madrid or somewhere else, without disrespecting those clubs. For Paris, this is very special. Everyone has been looking forward to this moment for years. We fought for it and finally succeeded, and it was a very difficult journey. We experienced complicated situations in finals against Manchester United, Manchester City and Bayern. It was an incredible relief to be able to achieve this.

On what is different about Paris Saint-Germain today

Of course things have changed, otherwise the club would not be in the position it is today. Paris Saint-Germain has definitely changed a lot. I was lucky enough to be there at the beginning of the project though not at the final stage because it never ends, there are always updates. The PSG of the past cannot be compared to the PSG of the present because football today is not the same as it was or will be in the future. But as I always say times change and I’ve been lucky enough to play with a lot of great players. I won’t repeat their names because there are too many. I learned a lot from everyone. Today, the club is truly focused on collective football, emphasizing that no one is above the club. We've had some really standout individuals in the past. But now, with the signings and the arrival of Enrique, there is a new impetus and everyone is contributing to the team. All the coaches I met at PSG were great coaches, but I think Enrique brings something new.

About former teammate Dembélé winning the Ballon d'Or

I had a phone call with Dembélé and he also came to Doha (for recovery). I'm very happy for him. It's honestly a source of pride and he deserves it. To see a PSG player and a Frenchman win the Ballon d'Or is an honor and everyone is really happy for him. It can be seen from the video and messages on social media that he usually does not express his emotions, but the scene of crying on stage shows the hard work he has put in.

Advice for young players

Work hard and be strict with yourself. Even if you don’t like it, you have to do it, learn it, do your best, and be good at listening. There are always little details that make a difference, even if you can't see it in the moment, they are the result of years of hard work and sacrifice, and I think it's hard for people to understand that. I'm a conscientious person, a hard-working person, and I know I'm going to make sacrifices for the team. Having the character was never a problem. I have always been a hard worker and that spirit has gotten me to where I am today.

About choosing each position in Paris Saint-Germain's legendary lineup

? It's so hard. Either I pick a youth squad or I pick a true legends squad. Okay, let's just pick a youth squad and don't offend anyone. I would choose Maignan as the goalkeeper, Sabally as the right back, Mamadou Sakho and myself as the centre-back, Ferland Mendy as the left-back, and Rabiot, Ongenda and Nkunku as the midfielder. I would choose Kingsley Coman as a left winger, Jean-Kevin Augustin as a right winger, and Moussa Dembélé as a forward.