Asensio 'has plenty to offer' PSG in Champions League

The 28-year-old joined PSG on a free transfer from Madrid in the summer but missed more than two months of action with a foot injury. He has been a key player since the winter break, though, starting the last three Ligue 1 matches and scoring twice. PSG host Real Sociedad in the Champions League last-16 first leg on Wednesday, hoping to avoid a third straight exit from the competition in the first knock-out round.

Asensio knows what it takes to go all the way, having won the title in 2017, 2018 and 2022 with Real, scoring in the final seven years ago against Juventus. "My football, my experience and my leadership," he told AFP when asked what he brings to a young PSG side rebuilding after the departures of Lionel Messi and Neymar.

"I've been in the football world for a long time, I've had my share of success and I believe I have a lot to offer. "I can be an example and a source of inspiration for the club's young players." PSG are still waiting to lift the European Cup for the first time, despite reaching the knock-out phase in 12 consecutive seasons under their Qatari owners.

A front three of Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe could not deliver the trophy. Asensio was one of 13 new signings in the close-season, along with fellow forwards Goncalo Ramos, Randal Kolo Muani, Ousmane Dembele and Lee Kang-in. The Spain international is confident the new-look squad, under new coach Luis Enrique, can compete in the latter stages of Europe's biggest club competition.

"With the club, the staff and the players, we are on the right track, united, and I believe that we will accomplish great things," he added. "We all get along well and we are very ambitious. We have already won a title (the Champions' Trophy) and soon, in a very short