Leonardo says PSG talks will take time

Leonardo confirmed on Thursday that he is in talks to become the new sporting director of Paris Saint-Germain but said he did not know how long the negotiations would take. During a press conference at San Siro here, the Brazilian said he opened talks "four days ago" with representatives from Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), who recently acquired a controlling 70 percent stake in the club. "In France, they say: 'Leonardo's coming, he's not coming.' But I've spoken to the (PSG) directors and there are so many things to see and discuss that I don't know how long it will take." Leonardo, who played for PSG in the 1996-97 season, was officially released from his contract as Inter Milan coach last week. "(Inter president Massimo) Moratti has treated me like a son," added Leonardo. "An opportunity arose and I was saying, 'I can't leave Inter,' and half an hour later I told Moratti. He saw me as a son and spoke to me as a son. He knows me and he knows what I want." PSG's new owners have previously confirmed that president Robin Leproux and first-team coach Antoine Kombouare will not be leaving the club this summer. Reports in the French media in recent weeks claimed that Leonardo was poised to return to PSG as a sporting director chiefly responsible for player recruitment. However, the former Brazil international's comments on Thursday suggested the deal may not be a foregone conclusion. "I have very little to say on PSG," he said. "I left Paris 14 years ago. I have a life in Milan. "I was very happy at PSG but the truth is that there's not much to say about PSG. I don't know what's happening at the club. I know they want to buy (new players), I don't know the players. "I only met the new owners two days ago." Despite fans' hopes for a summer splurge, PSG have made just two signings so far in the European summer transfer window, acquiring goalkeeper Nicolas Douchez from Rennes and France striker Kevin Gameiro from Lorient.

Source: AFP