Parma, 14 November 2024 – This is what Antoine Hainaut had to say when interviewed on “Radio Tv Serie A con RDS”.

LOOKING UP TO HIS FATHER

“My work ethic on the pitch comes from my dad, Eric. He played football but wasn't a professional. When I was a kid, I would go to watch his matches. I liked it, and he was the one who taught me everything. I spent ten years at Lens, but but they didn’t end up keeping me. When they told me, I said they were making a mistake. I’m now happy to have reached this level, and my family has always been very important in my journey. Signing for Boulogne after Lens was like a lifeline for me. They had a project for me and, as a club, were always there for me. I was at Boulogne for two and a half years before I got the call from Parma.”

GETTING THE CALL FROM PARMA

“I was happy to receive a call from Parma, but I had a lot of questions and didn’t know the language. When I joined, Parma were in Serie B, although this is a Club that should be in Serie A. I had already followed Parma when I was in France. I remember Thuram playing for Parma, and Buffon was here when I signed. Before coming to Parma, I spent six months on loan at Boulogne because I wanted to finish the season with them. It also gave me time to learn the language. When you go to another country and don’t know anything, it’s not easy, but I’m happy to have come here and really like the city. I live near our training centre, but, when I can, I go for walks in the city centre with my family and my girlfriend Lou. I really enjoy it.”

RELATIONSHIP WITH FABIO PECCHIA

“I have a good relationship with the coach, who I often speak with. He’s always told me to stay focused. When I’ve been selected to play, I’ve aimed to give everything for the Club. I’m always ready to take to the pitch. Pecchia is always by my side. There were some tough moments when I wasn’t playing, but there was constant dialogue with the Coach and the technical staff (Antonio Porta, Ferdinando Coppola, and Gennaro Troianiello). They told me to keep working hard, to be patient and that my moment would come.”

FAMILY

“My grandmother is a special person, and I scored on her birthday when we played in Lecce. I was very happy. My grandmother and family are very important to me. I immediately went over to the fans after scoring, and it was an incredible feeling. Our supporters get right behind us, and I’d like to thank them for that. When we play at the Tardini, they’re always there for us, and I’d compare them to a wall. In my football journey, my dad has helped me a lot. We used to watch the games I played, and he would tell me what I was doing wrong. Away from the pitch, my mum Angelique, my sister Lisa and my girlfriend Lou were by my side when I wasn’t playing, and, for me, that’s very important. I’m grateful to all the coaches I’ve had, and I also work closely with the technical staff here too.”

NEW POSITION ON THE PITCH

“I like my new role as a right-back; it’s a position I’m discovering now because I’m used to playing in midfield. I just want to play. At Parma, we’re all young, and we’re capable of leaving a mark in Serie A this season. It’s a difficult jump from Serie B: the opponents change, and it’s also different tactically.”

THE PERFECT PLAYER

“I like going on walks with my family and my girlfriend, visiting places in Italy and resting at home. I have a lot of tattoos, and they represent my determination, my family and also God. My perfect player would have Bonny’s right foot, Bernabé’s left foot, Benedyczak’s heading ability, Cancellieri’s running ability, Delprato’s tactical intelligence and my mentality.”