Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi opened up on the team’s exit from the FIFA World Cup 2022 and said that the Atlas Lions can leave with their heads held high from Qatar. Hakimi also thanked the fans for their support during the tournament.

Hakimi said that the team can leave with their heads held high (Courtesy: Reuters)

By India Today Web Desk: Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi opened up on the country’s exit from the FIFA World Cup 2022 and said that the team fought till the very end and can leave the tournament with their heads held high.

The Atlas Lions were the surprise package of the tournament held in Qatar as they defeated Belgium and held Croatia to a draw while making their way out of the group in the top spot. They would continue their impressive run in the Round Of 16 and quarterfinal stages of the World Cup as they first defeated Spain on penalties and then made it to the semi-final after beating Portugal 1-0.

Morocco ultimately fell to France in the semi-finals, by a margin of 2-0, but the team won the hearts of millions around the globe with their fearless performances in Qatar.

Hakimi has now broken his silence after Morocco’s exit on Twitter and said that the team gave their all during the tournament. The PSG star went on to say that they’re proud of their achievements and can leave with their heads held high after fighting till the very last second.

Hakimi went on to thank the Moroccan fans for their support throughout the tournament.

“We gave it all. The dream of a team, of a whole country, is over. But we have to be proud of what we have done. We fought until the last second and we leave with our heads held high.We will continue to try and give our all for this nation. Thanks to all Moroccans for your support.”

“We love you. Dima Maghrib, always,” said Hakimi in his post.

We gave it all. The dream of a team, of a whole country, is over. But we have to be proud of what we have done. We fought until the last second and we leave with our heads held high.We will continue to try and give our all for this nation. Thanks to all Moroccans for your support pic.twitter.com/By6ev5uwEC— Achraf Hakimi (@AchrafHakimi) December 15, 2022

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui said that the team gave their all and that was the most important thing for him after their exit in the World Cup.

“We gave the maximum, that’s the most important. We had some injuries, we lost Aguerd in the warm-up, Saiss, Mazraoui, but there are no excuses,” said Regragui.