In an interview with Le Parisien, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi discusses the departure of three PSG figures: Lionel Messi, Marco Verratti, and Neymar.
PSG took a radical turn last summer, selling aging stars to invest in youth—a choice that Al-Khelaïfi stands by and admits to his mistakes.
« Marco, really, for me, was one of the best players for Paris Saint-Germain. He was perhaps one of the best investments we made. We bought him for €11 million, if I’m not mistaken. He stayed for eleven years. Every season, he was one of the best players. But the coach has a new philosophy, a new strategy. I promised the coach when choosing him that I would stand behind him, give him what he wants. That’s what we did. Marco remains a legend of Paris Saint-Germain, » he said about the Italian.
And Neymar? And Messi? « I am very grateful to all the players who played for PSG. They all had good and bad moments. A team is not made up of a single individual, but 11, even 22. If you want to blame these players, you must also blame me; I am responsible. »
« Each one gave their maximum, and that’s very important. But it’s also important that players be grateful to the club after their departure, whether they had good or bad experiences, moments of happiness or disappointment… But Lionel Messi is the greatest player in history. »
