Yuri Berchiche only spent one season at Paris Saint-Germain (2017-18) before leaving for Athletic Bilbao, but, the Spaniard has fond memories of his time in the French capital.
In a recent interview posted on Bilbao’s official website (via Get French Football News), the 30-year-old defender discussed the differences between the two locker rooms and the culture within both.
“They are very different. Each dressing room has good and bad sides,” said Berchiche. “But I can say that I was well integrated in both. There are good people on both sides.”
“Maybe the atmosphere is more familiar here with players who originate from this region; maybe there is more cohesion here. But there was a very good squad in Paris, with South American players, and sometimes I miss that too. In any case, I am very happy in the dressing room that I am currently in, I am happy too and happy to have had the chance to be at PSG.”
Good luck @PSG_inside!! 😉 @ChampionsLeague 💪🏻 #PSGRM #ICICESTPARIS pic.twitter.com/st1551xiOG
— Yuri Berchiche (@yuriberchiche) September 18, 2019
Earlier this season, Berchiche spoke the truth about PSG’s locker room culture and dismissed the media’s false image of what goes on behind the scenes at the French club.
For example, last year, Le Parisian reported that Neymar Jr. got into an altercation with Julian Draxler and this gem from ESPN essentially said the entire club has an attitude problem with the locker room split into cliques.
Its stories like these that have branded the PSG locker room a toxic one, but when people read statements from players who are physically inside, it’s a different story. Having spent only one season with PSG, Berchiche doesn’t need to show loyalty to the club.
However, despite being there for one year, the Spaniard doesn’t hesitate to talk about his experience or defend the locker room in Paris. Furthermore, the 30-year-old doesn’t miss an opportunity to tweet his support for PSG or wanting his ex-teammates to do well.
Whenever you see stories about the “toxic” locker room in Paris, pull out Berchiche’s experience with these players.
Bon anniversaire @KMbappe!! 💪 🎉 #Friends pic.twitter.com/gD6Wz3oGQK
— Yuri Berchiche (@yuriberchiche) December 20, 2019
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