Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Matvey Safonov has spoken about the importance of learning French quickly after moving to the Parisian club, describing it as “a question of respect”.
The Russia international joined PSG from Krasnodar in 2024 and has since made 49 appearances for the club in all competitions. He has conceded 49 goals during that time and kept 19 clean sheets.
Safonov, 27, is under contract with the French champions until the end of June 2029. His comments focus on the effort required to adapt to life at a new club and in a different football environment, with language learning forming part of that adjustment.
The goalkeeper’s decision to study French has been presented not simply as a practical step, but as a way of showing consideration towards the club and the country in which he now works. His remarks underline the importance he places on communicating within the PSG environment after arriving from Russian football.
Safonov also credited PSG manager Luis Enrique, saying: “I was lucky to join Luis Enrique.”
The goalkeeper’s move to Paris in 2024 marked a significant change in his career, as he left Krasnodar to join one of Europe’s leading clubs. Since then, his record has included 49 matches across all competitions, with 19 occasions on which PSG did not concede.
His current agreement means Safonov is expected to remain part of the PSG squad through June 2029. The length of the contract gives the club and player a substantial period in which to continue their work together.
For Safonov, learning French provides a visible sign of his willingness to settle into the club. His description of the process as “a question of respect” sets the language issue within the broader context of his move to Paris and his responsibilities as a PSG player.
The remarks come as Safonov continues his adaptation to the club after his transfer from Krasnodar. His statistics since joining PSG stand at 49 appearances, 49 goals conceded and 19 clean sheets, while his contract remains in place until the end of the 2028-29 season.