Morocco star Hakimi keen to stay at Real Madrid

Real Madrid players Achraf Hakimi (L) and Protuguese Cristiano Ronaldo (R) in action during the team's training session at Valdebebas sport city in Madrid, Spain, 22 September 2017. Real Madrid faces Alaves FC on 23 September 2017 in a Primera Division Liga match. EPA/Rodrigo Jimenez

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Saturday Mar 31, 2018. 11:30

Morocco international Achraf Hakimi says he has no intention of leaving the reigning Spanish La Liga champions Real Madrid.

This is despite recent reports having linked the 19-year-old right-back away from the Spanish capital.

“I can only see myself playing for Real Madrid, they are the club of my life and I have no intention of leaving at all,” Hakimi told Marca.

Hakimi is competing with Spain international Dani Carvajal, who is Real's first choice right back.

“Dani Carvajal is a strong example for me to follow – he came through the academy system like myself and now he is the number one choice and the best right-back," he added.

“I try to watch Dani all the time and learn from everything he does because I love how he plays and it is what I aspire too.

The highly-rated defender has made 13 appearances and a goal across all competitions for Zinedine Zidane’s side this season.

Hakimi will take on Italian giants Juventus in the two-legged quarter-finals of the 2017/18 UEFA Champions League.

“Zidane was right to start Nacho against Paris Saint-Germain as he did very well and helped us qualify but I will help the coach in any opportunities I can," he added.

“Juventus? We know it will be difficult, but we have no fears against anyone and our goal is always to qualify.”