Yuri Berchiche, the strong character who never quite fit PSG’s star system | OneFootball

Yuri Berchiche will face Paris Saint-Germain with Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday at 21:00 in the Champions League, revisiting a Paris spell remembered more for character than lasting impact.

According to L'Équipe, the Spaniard, now 35, spent 2017-2018 in Paris and is pleased to meet old team-mates, saying he holds affection for them and that he was happy for the club when they won the Champions League.

Signed for €15m in summer 2017 as Unai Emery’s pick to succeed the retired Maxwell, he arrived amid the post-remontada hangover, then saw Neymar and Kylian Mbappé dominate. Emery’s brother pushed for him behind the scenes after a strong year at Real Sociedad.

The plan was to compete with Layvin Kurzawa. Each started 19 league matches. Berchiche largely handled domestic cups, Kurzawa the Champions League, but injury opened the last 16 against Real Madrid, which finished 1-3 and 1-2.

Across 32 appearances he never produced a standout performance, yet supporters warmed to his steel. Tough in the tackle and brave, he sometimes lacked polish for that squad, and his strong will could spark training-ground flare-ups. Close to Javier Pastore, Edinson Cavani and the Spanish speakers, he struggled with dressing-room banter, particularly from South Americans.

The adventure ended after one year. In summer 2018, Athletic moved, and with financial fair play pressures following the Neymar and Mbappé outlay, PSG accepted €24m for the left-footer. Berchiche remembers Paris fondly, describing a dream year with trophies, world-class team-mates and a splendid city.

Source: L'Équipe