Ousmane Dembélé has taken things up a notch at Paris Saint-Germain, where he’s become a key player. Ahead of their Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Aston Villa, the French winger said he’s never had as much fun playing football as he does now.

“I don’t know if it’s the best team I’ve played for, 'cause I’ve been in some amazing ones like Barça with Messi – who for me is the GOAT – but yeah, this is the one I enjoy the most,” the 27-year-old told the media before the match against the Birmingham side.

Personal growth and a new mindset

The forward said he’s made a lot of changes in his personal life, which has helped him stay injury-free and get into top physical shape – even if he still doesn’t love doing fitness work. He also touched on the Ballon d’Or talk, but made it clear that team trophies with PSG come first. Winning the Champions League, he said, “would be something really special.”

Team-first mentality under Luis Enrique

Looking ahead to the clash with Aston Villa, Dembélé said they’re expecting a tough game with high pressure from the English side, but that PSG won’t just sit back and defend the 3–1 lead from the first leg at the Parc des Princes. “We’re going there to win, not to play it safe,” he said. He also praised head coach Luis Enrique and the team’s all-in attitude: “Everyone attacks and defends here. If you don’t defend as a forward, you don’t start.”

Finally, he pointed out the team’s never-say-die spirit: “He [Luis Enrique] tells us to believe right until the end, and that’s shaped who we are. From the youngest player to the oldest, nobody gives up until the final whistle.”