Willian Pacho: "We're working hard to reach our goals" | OneFootball

The Paris Saint-Germain defender told us about his first few months at the club, winning his first trophy, and about himself.

Willian, how did you get into football?

'Thanks to my big brother. He was playing with his friends, and I was watching him play. I loved it and I started to play with them. My first steps in football were in the neighbourhood where I grew up and I learned a lot from that. Then I started watching national team games, and I've loved football ever since.'

What was it like playing for Ecuador for the first time?

'Great! I'd never been called up for national youth teams. My first cap was with the senior team. It was incredible, I didn't expect it at all, and I knew that it was the start of the toughest stage, that I had to work even harder. When I got the news, I was very happy, and I immediately called my family to tell them.'

What are the values that define you in football and in life?

'I'm very respectful, that's something my mother taught me early on. I believe that if you respect everyone, you'll only get respect back. It's a family value.'

Who did you call first to tell them you were coming to Paris?

'I called a lot of people! But it was my sister first. I already had the shirt and I showed it to my family. It was an incredible moment, and everyone was very happy for me.'

Why do you wear the number 51?

'Because it's the number I wore at my first club. A number that I've had a lot of success with, so I'm attached to it. And also because my mum passed away aged 51. So I always wear that number.'

And why the bandage?

'When I played in Belgium, I broke my hand and I had to wear a plaster for three months. Once it came off, I was able to play again but I had to wear a bandage like this one. And I scored with the national team against Australia wearing it, so I've worn a bandage since whenever I play.'

What's life like in the dressing room?

'There are a lot of good people! I get on well with everyone, and I like spending time with Achraf, Ousmane, Randal and Marco. And I get on very well with the Portuguese! I sometimes go out with them as a group, we have some good times together.'

How did you feel when you won the Trophée des Champions?

'Very happy! We didn't have a lot of time to score, it was a tense game and we deserved to win. We were really happy, because we work hard to achieve that sort of goal, to win trophies. I'm also the first Ecuadorian to win it! That's something that makes me really proud.'

What's the best advice Luis Enrique has given you?

'There's a lot, but it's not only advice. He gives me a lot of confidence. He is able to speak to people. I always try to give my all, and I listen to everything he has to say. For example, he makes me work a lot on my weaker foot. He gives us a lot of self-confidence.'

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