Athletic Bilbao/PSG: Ruiz on future, midfield, rivals and Vitinha | OneFootball

Wednesday, during the 6th matchday of the 2025-2026 Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain (2nd) will face Athletic Bilbao (27th) at San Mamés Stadium (kick-off at 9pm, broadcast on Canal+). On the eve of this match, Parisian midfielder Fabian Ruiz (29 years old) answered several questions at a press conference.

Ruiz: “I’ve regained my form.”

Any talks about an extension?

Yes, my contract ends in 2027. I’ve always said that I’m very happy to be here. This is my 4th season, I’m very pleased. It’s not something I’m worried about. What matters is tomorrow’s match and trying to win.

There’s a lot of talk about Neves and Vitinha, but how do you feel this season?

It’s not just Neves or Vitinha, all the players are involved. I’m getting back into shape. I had an injury, it was a bit tough, but I’ve regained my form. I feel good, and I hope I can keep it up. We’ll try to be at our best to keep winning.

Ruiz: “The fans push relentlessly.”

A word about the atmosphere in this stadium?

I played here with Betis Sevilla. We drew 0-0. It’s one of the most beautiful stadiums in Spain, the atmosphere is spectacular. The fans push relentlessly. We’re aware of the difficulties we’ll face tomorrow. It’s a Champions League match, the points are very important for both teams. We have to go onto the pitch with our usual mindset and play our game.

Ruiz: “It’s one of the keys to the team.”

Are you in the best midfield of your career?

I’ve had the chance to play with great players, both here and for the national team. I don’t know if it’s the best midfield in the world, but it’s one of the great ones. We’re lucky to have players who can change positions. It’s one of the keys to the team. Everyone can switch. I think that’s very positive. That’s why last season was excellent and why we’re off to a good start.

Ruiz: “They are aggressive, we’ll have to be focused and strong from the start.”

Have your national teammates (Williams and Laporte) talked to you about this match?

No, but we know how important the match is for them. We know they’re fighting for qualification. I’ve often watched this team play, it will be a tough match in a great atmosphere and against a fine team. They are aggressive, we’ll have to be focused and strong from the start. We have to play our style and I think we can win to stay at the top of the table.

A word about Bilbao and their style?

We all know their qualities. They are very strong on the counter, with players who are very good one-on-one. They defend very well as a unit. We know it will be difficult.

Ruiz: “Vitinha is as strong off the pitch as he is on it.”

Vitinha has become very important on the pitch, what’s his influence off it?

Vitinha is as strong off the pitch as he is on it. He’s an exceptional man, calm. That’s why he’s one of the captains. He brings us a lot. He likes to talk to everyone, always ready to help. It’s important that a player who is so strong on the pitch is also so good off it.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.