‘It Was Complicated’ — Aouchiche Reflects on the Decision to Leave PSG for AS Saint-Etienne

Adil Aouchiche joined multiple other prospects last year in leaving Paris Saint-Germain over the summer transfer window.

Aouchiche elected to part ways with PSG as a free agent in favor of a move to Ligue 1 side AS Saint-Etienne.

The French prospect totaled for 34 appearances in league play for AS Saint-Etienne this past season, as he became a regular in the team’s midfield setups.

Aouchiche’s decision to leave PSG was a complicated call, but one that he felt was sorely needed for several reasons, which he spoke further about to Onze Mondial.

“It’s simple, I didn’t have enough playing time in the first team,” Aouchiche said. “I am one of the leading players of my generation, so I have big goals and dreams. Without being in too much of a hurry, I wanted to play professionally soon. I thought I deserved playing time.

“For me, I had to have my chances so that I could repeat matches. It was important for me. It was complicated at PSG with a squad full of stars and great players. The club has wanted to win the Champions League for several years. I had other opportunities at other clubs.

“I knew that I would be able to move on and develop elsewhere. I really wanted to establish myself as a regular player in a club. And Saint-Étienne was a great opportunity.”

The 18-year-old prospect currently has a mere two more seasons remaining on his contract deal with AS Saint-Etienne. He surely will be aiming to make the most out of his playing time minutes over the upcoming seasons with the side, which would be crucial for his ongoing development as a midfielder.

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