EXCLUSIVE: In the first instalment of a three-part interview, the Brazilian provides a wealth of insight into life as one of Europe's finest left-backs of his generation

Despite his advanced years, in football terms at least, Paris Saint-Germain left-back Maxwell remains a key figure in the French giants' starting XI. Of the capital side's back line, only former Brazil captain Thiago Silva has played more matches this season.

In an exclusive interview with Goal, the former Ajax, Inter and Barcelona defender, now 34, shared experiences that that only a seasoned, well-travelled veteran of the game could.

“There's no secret, it's work. A lot of work,” the Brazilian replied when quizzed on still being indispensable despite being in the twilight of his career. “You have to be careful with your body. The staff know when I have to rest, they're very intelligent like that. Everyone who works for the club allows us to be in the best possible condition.

“I’ve changed my style across the different leagues I’ve played in: I learned a lot in the Netherlands about possession-based football. I started to learn about defensive tactics in Italy, and Spain brought me more technique.

“I arrived in Paris with a little baggage because of all the competitions I had played in. The mentality of the club was that it want to play football, which helped me. Defensively and offensively, there’s not been a big change, other than you have to be strong in both areas.

“Communication with the centre-backs is vital, too. Even when Layvin [Kurzawa] plays, for example, it’s important to speak to him. Not a lot has changed, in fact. You know be intelligent on the field and know how to position yourself.”

A lot has changed in Paris since 2012 when Qatar Sports Investments became the main shareholder of the club. With Les Parisiens having become the richest club in Ligue 1, the pressure was on immediately to deliver results.

Maxwell was part of the influx of high-profile players brought in to assist in achieving this and his experience has gone a long way to seeing the supporters expect three points week in, week out. High expectations, however, are always coupled with more pressure, as was highlighted by the jeers in PSG's recent Coupe de France clash with Toulouse.

“We don’t particularly like it,” the defender explained. “When we have given them as much as we have since the start of the season and you hear jeers, it doesn’t make you happy. But then, we have to understand fans are like that. Against Toulouse, they came to see us score goals, which we did not do in the first half, but happily at the end of the game we won and that was positive.

“Of course. The fans are in the habit of seeing us win matches and scoring goals, but we keep two feet on the ground and we respect all our opponents. We have to understand the fans, but we must also stay humble to continue working and to achieve good results.

“It’s a bit like that everywhere. When you win, you get used to it, and the supporters do too. From the moment that you don’t play a good match and you have difficulties, you hear whistles. We always want to be supported because it can change the complexion of a match. You hope your relationship with the fans always stays positive.”

As important as Maxwell has been for the French champions since his arrival, all good things must come to an end. With the Brazilian's contract set to expire at the end of the season, both the club and the player must look to the future. For the Parc des Princes side, that means Maxwell's understudy, Layvin Kurzawa; for the player himself, things aren't so black and white.

“I have a great relationship with Layvin – everything is going great,” Maxwell continues. “It brings me joy to see him on the field because he’s always done well for the team. I am at his side to help because I know the situation, I know that the future is his. We hope that he will progress with the club. There’s no problems, we have a great relationship and I hope it will continue like that.

“To help would bring me pleasure, even if I don’t play. We’ll see what happens. My contract with the club is up in June. You’re never 100% ready to stop. I feel good physically and that’s very important at my age. I have a good relationship with the club so we’ll see what happens.”