Achraf Hakimi admits he had to pinch himself when being offered the chance to link up with Real Madrid, with a man who savoured Champions League glory with Cristiano Ronaldo in Spain now starring alongside the likes of Erling Haaland during a loan spell at Borussia Dortmund.
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo was among those Hakimi got to play alongside while taking in 17 competitive appearances, with the Portuguese held up as the perfect role model for any youngster.
"He is an incredibly good player," Hakimi said.
"Playing with one of the best players in the world is an incredible experience. I really enjoyed it and always tried to assist goals for him.
"He talked a lot to me and gave me good tips. I loved listening to him and trying to learn as much from him as possible and to learn certain things."
In 2018, Real sanctioned a two-year loan move for Hakimi to Bundesliga giants Dortmund.
His game has been taken to another level in Germany, with it suggested that Madrid will welcome him back into their ranks this summer.
For now, though, Hakimi is looking to make the most of a 2019-20 campaign which could yet deliver title glory for BVB.
On his future, he said: "I honestly don't know [at which club I'll play next season].
"I currently see myself clearly at Borussia Dortmund. I am very happy here and I still have a four or five-month contract.”
Dortmund have bolstered their ranks during the winter transfer window in a bid to get their hands on the German top-flight crown, with a deal done for Norwegian sensation Haaland.
The teenage frontman has enjoyed a dream start to his time in Germany, netting a hat-trick off the bench on debut, with Hakimi expecting big things from one of Europe’s hottest prospects.
He said of Haaland: "We were so happy for him. Thanks to his three goals, we turned the game [against Augsburg] around and of course we hope that it will continue this way with him.
"Still, we have other great players who can help us out. Paco Alcacer is a great striker too."
Dortmund, who sit fourth in the Bundesliga table at present, will be looking to close the seven-point gap which separates them from leaders RB Leipzig when they play host to FC Koln on Friday.