£34m Paris Saint-Germain star reveals what AC Milan defender told him about Newcastle United

Paris Saint-Germain defender Lucas Hernandez expects Newcastle United to be “quick out of the traps” at St James’ Park this evening (kick 8pm).

The Magpies host the French champions in their first Champions League home match for 20 years. And Hernandez, who joined PSG from Bayern Munich for £34million last year, understands it is a “special game” for Newcastle.

“They have a great stadium and brilliant supporters,” said the 27-year-old. “We have to play quick and aggressive so we have to be focused. We will get chances to score. We love these games with intensity. Newcastle can’t wait to get out there too, it is 20 years since they were at this level at home.

“We realise it is a special game for them. But we have to manage the game, control the match, they will come at us at the beginning, quick out of the traps. I have played in Germany and Spain where the fans play a big role for their team.”

Hernandez is older brother to AC Milan’s Theo, who featured in the goalless draw at the San Siro last month.

Asked if they had spoken about Newcastle, Hernandez replied: “Obviously it was a different game. They were playing away at the San Siro for a start. He told me more than anything else that they are solid. He told me they’re solid, compact and good on the counter-attack and their players are very quick going forward.”

While United drew their Group F opener, PSG overaome Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund at the Parc des Princes following goals from Kylian Mbappe and Achraf Hakimi.