Achraf Hakimi left Real Madrid because of Zidane - agent | OneFootball

Achraf Hakimi left Real Madrid to sign for Inter because of head coach Zinedine Zidane, the player’s agent has claimed.

Hakimi spent two successful years on-loan at Borussia Dortmund and was widely expected to return to his parent club this summer.

But the 21-year-old penned a five-year deal with Inter after they agreed a €40m fee, with Martin Camano already pointing figures at Zidane.

“Zidane is the reason for Hakimi’s transfer to Inter,” Camano told Al Mountakhab. “He must explain why Hakimi moved.

“I think that Hakimi’s return at the current time is not appropriate given the presence of a player like Dani Carvajal.

“But I’m sure that his future will be bright after taking this step forward.”

“Conte was always in contact with Hakimi,” the representative added. “He talked to him about the club’s future project, so we decided to move to Inter.

“I believe that when a coach like Conte calls you and strongly insists on contacting you, this is evidence that he wants you to become an important piece in his project.”

Hakimi joined Real Madrid in 2006 and later signed professional terms in 2016, making 17 appearances for the club.