Conte: Achraf Hakimi's dream is to return to Real Madrid

Former Inter boss Antonio Conte has revealed that Achraf Hakimi hopes to one day return to Real Madrid.

The Moroccan right-back shone under the Italian during their year together at Inter, in which they won the Scudetto, before he was sold to Paris Saint-Germain for 60 million euros this summer.

Inter lost 1-0 to Real Madrid on Wednesday night in what is a repeat of last year's group-stage fixture, in which the Nerazzurri lost 2-0 at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza and Achraf scored an own goal.

"Psychologically, Hakimi suffered a little bit from last year's games against Real Madrid," Conte said on Sky Sport Italia.

"His dream is to play for that club again as a key player."

However, Conte pointed to Inter's two group-stage matches against Real Madrid last year as a turning point for Achraf.

"I remember those two games very well. From that point on, he worked a lot and I saw a young player who wanted to learn how to [improve]," Conte added.

"He understood that what he was doing attacking-wise was not enough; now he is among the best in the world. If he keeps working on his final ball, he can be world class."

Inter signed Denzel Dumfries from PSV Eindhoven as Achraf's replacement, paying 12.5 million euros, and Conte is convinced that he will do well in Milan.

"They have signed a great player to replace Hakimi. If he can work his way into the team, he can be a great replacement for him," the Italian stated.

Conte remains very popular amongst Inter supporters after winning the Scudetto last season, and he admits that he has fond memories of his two years in charge of the Nerazzurri.

"There is certainly a lot of love, it was a beautiful and intense two years," Conte noted.

"I have very good memories of this group of lads and I hope Inter can do better than we had done in the last two years."