“Messi was a temptation”

Leonardo has spoken in Channel + France on the possible signing of Messi by PSG this summer. The PSG sports director has also spoken about the continuity of Mbappe and Neymar in the team of the French capital.

Sign Messi: “Given the financial situation, it is difficult to think that. But we have been told that Messi is going to leave, and that has excited us. You think: damn it, it will be possible. Messi was a temptation. He is an extraordinary player and in football you can talk about everything. “

End of Neymar and Mbappé contracts in 2022: “We want to continue with them, that is clear. Everyone knows how things are going. We have already spoken with them. We have to find the right moment and way to do it. It is an opportunity to have two players like that on the same team We have two of the best players in the world after Messi and Ronaldo at PSG, that's huge. “

Future of Leonardo and Mbappé: “The reflection is that he is coming. There is so much good for him here. The marriage is perfect. Football is difficult for everyone, for the big teams abroad. PSG will be around in the next few years. The club It has always been ambitious, but this year is difficult in financial terms. “

Relationship with Tuchel: “We know each other's roles. With Tuchel, it is very clear. We talk a lot together. He is doing something fantastic. It is a moment of reflection, we have time to talk. With him, it is very clear, we share a lot, we talk about the market. Always there is a conversation before signing a player. There has not been a player who has not arrived since Tuchel is here, without his approval. He still has ten months left on his contract, we have time. People talk because he arrived before me. When I arrived, I had the option to stay with him. I never contacted Allegri. “

Departures of Cavani and Thiago Silva: “For Cavani and Silva it is the same. The decision for them is not easy. They are idols of the club. It is always complicated. We made the decision in March for financial reasons and to change generations. At the last minute we spoke with Silva about a extension, but said no. “

Mbappé statements: “Kylian says this because we think the same. PSG have always been ambitious, but there is a situation and we have to deal with it. We need some reinforcements, like a right-back, that's clear.”

Transfers: “We have priority positions to sign. I think the idea is that there are signings, we have priority positions. We are thinking about the incorporations, but we have to sell too, because it is mandatory.”

Sales: “PSG needs to sell. All clubs need to sell to buy. Fair play prohibits you from putting in more money. PSG is in the same situation as the rest. We need to sell players, but it's not easy because nobody buys. We invest in Icardi this summer. We need to be a little creative in our signings. “