As part of an in-depth interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera, former midfielder Leonardo, who was Sporting Director in two separate spells at Paris Saint-Germain over the last decade, has discussed the Ligue 1 champions’ past season – their first since his dismissal last spring.
On being asked about how he feels seeing the Parisians embark on yet another summer overhaul, the Brazilian gives a light-hearted answer: “How does the saying go? With me it’s difficult, without me it’s impossible [laughs].”
The 53-year-old also reacts to Lionel Messi’s departure, with the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner having been booed in his final game for the club last week, before his free transfer to MLS side Inter Miami.
“I’m sorry about what happened. He’s an extraordinary person and a great player who’s worthy of entering the Pantheon of football along with Pelé and Diego Maradona. He’s made a life choice that will allow him to reconcile family and work as best as possible. When you go to war, you won’t die alone when you’re with Leo. With others, you might.”
Following on from last year’s somewhat disappointing transfer window – new arrivals such as Fabián Ruiz and Carlos Soler have been unable to make any significant impact – the pressure is now on Leonardo’s successor, Luís Campos, to make amends this summer. Inter defender Milan Škriniar and Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte are set to be PSG’s first signings of the window, while France forward Marcus Thuram is also reportedly being targeted.
GFFN | Raphaël Jucobin
