“The treatment of PSG is inhumane”

Few places seem more fitting than a publishing house to discuss a book. Among the thousands of works is that of Kheira Hamraoui (Croix, France, January 13, 1990), a footballer who regained his smile after two years in hell. In November 2021, he was attacked at the hands of two hooded men who beat him with irons: “I thought they were going to kill me,” he recalled, his voice still cracking.

His former teammate, Aminata Diallo, allegedly orchestrated the attack on the midfielder, who he considered too much competition on the pitch. However, PSG unfairly sacked Kheira Hamraoui until his life was made miserable. Despite wanting to part ways with him, the former Barça player completed the two-year contract he signed and now he leaves with his head held high, wanting to have fun again.

What will people find in this book?

Story of a person who suffered a lot in the last two years. A hell. It is important to say and write down everything that happened. Saying this served me as personal therapy. They will also trace the path of a woman who made her way to become a professional soccer player.

What do you think motivated that attack in November 2021?

It was an orchestrated attack, although at first I didn’t realize it because of my nerves. After that I connected everything. Aminata Diallo was driving Karchaoui and me home. I was closer to where we were, but he told me he would leave me later. It seemed strange to me, but I did not attach much importance to it. When they attacked us, I was the only one who was hit by two hooded men, on the legs, with irons. I had a hard time making sense of it all.

He explained, he was very scared.

It was the happiest night of my life. People ask me if I fear my career as a footballer is over. My career? That night I thought they were going to kill me.

Have you had any sequelae?

The most complicated to treat are the mental ones. Fortunately, physics did not take long to disappear. Others remain for life.

Do you have any hope that justice will do its job and bring those responsible to justice?

From the first moment I trusted the judicial system. All those involved in that attack against me have been found and now it is time for the responsibilities to come clean for what happened.

Many people judged him as the culprit and not as a victim.

It is very difficult to accept and assimilate that after all there are people who may think that I deserve everything that has happened to me. From the aggression itself to the behavior of the fans after that. They beat me, they wanted to destroy me inside and out. I don’t think it’s necessary, but I’ll say it one more time: I’m a victim, not guilty.

Is it bad to return to PSG?

It’s almost worse than assault. The treatment at the club was inhumane and it was a huge disappointment. I was discredited, humiliated, cyberbullied. They took away what I love most: playing, training, competing. They took everything from me unfairly.

Have you ever wondered why the club left you sad?

It is not my responsibility to answer who should take that responsibility.

Did someone in that locker room help you out?

many. Not one, not two, not three. The media said that the dressing room was against me, but that was not true. Out of twenty three, only three turned their backs on me. Karchaoui was definitely my main support during these two seasons, but there was a lot more.

And Lieke Martens?

Like Karchaoui. We have shared a lot with Lieke since we were in Barcelona and I consider him a great friend.

Enduring insults from his own fans doesn’t have to be easy.

I will appreciate that the fans judge me by my sports performance, not my private life. It was painful to endure the insults for so many weeks. All those shouts and banners against me hurt me. That’s why in the last home game, played at the Parc des Princes, I want to blame his attitude. The manager of the ultras wanted to apologize to me on behalf of everyone, but I told him that it was not enough: “It’s easy to do it in private but as you insulted me in public, you should apologize publicly too” said I to him.

Do you need professional help?

I have been with everyone all this time despite everything. Family, friends and also a psychologist. You have to break that taboo. There is nothing wrong with asking for help. In my case, it became especially difficult to manage all these emotions. PSG tried to send me out, they told me I wouldn’t play. However, I want to honor and fulfill my contract until June 2023 and I will participate as an important player in various games. I’m proud of it.

Wouldn’t it be easier to go to another club?

It would be more comfortable, but it is against my principles. I knew very well the reasons why they wanted me out, but I found myself capable of overcoming them all. This story made me stronger.

Do you regret signing for PSG two years ago?

Not really. One can never predict what may happen in the future. Although this phase of my life has been difficult, it has taught me many things. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without experiencing all of this.

Do you think not being on the roster for the World Cup is a result of all this controversy?

I feel that I am paying all the consequences that came from the aggression in 2021. I did everything in my power to get on the list and be another member for the World Cup this summer. Hervé Renard called me to tell me it was a purely sporting decision, but I didn’t believe it. I respect it, but I don’t share it. I am sad because it is an injustice. But it won’t kill me either.

Can you see him from home?

It’s a pain not to be in Australia with my teammates, but once that disappointment melts away, I’ll be supporting them from afar.

If you knew everything that happened to you, would you stay at Barça?

I have precious memories of Barcelona, ​​​​​​where I spent the best years of my career. I helped the club win the first Champions League in its history and I’m very proud of it, but I can’t go back.

Why did he leave?

When I arrived at Barça I said that if I won the Champions League I would leave because I wanted to win it at three different clubs. In Lyon I did it twice, another as a Barça player and I dreamed of winning it again elsewhere to be the only woman to do it in three different teams.

Is he related to some of his colleagues from back then?

Among many: Marta Torrejón, Ana Crnogorčević, Graham Hansen or Jana Fernández. They all sent me messages when they were attacking me. At that time I didn’t answer to anyone, but later I thanked them because they were by my side.

What happened to Lluís Cortés?

I honestly don’t know. I don’t care. He has won everything as a coach and when that happens, it is best to leave and face new challenges.

Has Alexia Putellas been important to the growth of women’s football?

Happy playing next to him. She is a hardworking, respectful and exceptionally talented woman. It has become what it is on its own merits. The first Ballon d’Or she won was important, not only for her but also for putting Spanish women’s football in another dimension. He is an example as a professional and I am very happy for his achievements. I know he’s had a tough year with injuries, but I have no doubt he’ll come back even stronger.

I imagine he was happy to see Barça take home the Champions League.

A lot. It was a tough game against Wolfsburg, but even with the 2-0 scoreline I didn’t think I was done. The dressing room has grown in every way in recent times, but especially in terms of thinking. Despite the blow that it meant to give up soon, no player gave up and they believed in coming back all the time. They deserve it.

Does Aitana Bonmatí have the conditions to be Ballon d’Or?

Of course. He is a determined soccer player, who loves the game and has a unique competitive character. He is the brain of Barcelona. Despite not being very tall, he has good coordination with the ball. He is intelligent, he reads what is happening on the field well and anticipates every play. Not far to be Ballon d’Or.

And his future… what?

I haven’t decided yet, but I’m close. I have several offers. In any case, it is not in France. I need to go out, have fun again and go to a club that respects its players.

Are there any doors closed to you because of PSG?

No, because what happens in France does not happen in other places. Where here they see me guilty, abroad they recognize me for what I am, a victim.

Do you want to go back to Spain?

I love Spain, but I see it as unlikely.