Former LOSC Lille coach Rene Girard has praised Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Blaise Matuidi in light of the international’s impact in the French capital.
The 28-year-old left AS Saint-Etienne in 2011 after four years, completing a move to the Parc des Princes. Since then he has enjoyed great success, winning the French title three times and the French Cup once.
However, the midfielder was rumoured to be heading for the exit door at PSG this summer, having been linked with a move to Premier League trio Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, according to talkSPORT.
Similarly, Italian heavyweights AC Milan were understood to be keen on the player, and were keen to bring him to the San Siro as a replacement for Geoffrey Kondogbia, who opted to plump for Inter Milan when leaving AS Monaco.
While PSG have sought to invest heavily in big-name players and Galactico signings, Matuidi remains one of the side’s most important names due to his immense work rate and desire to run relentlessly for the team.
The international has become indispensable, and Girard—who also managed Strasbourg—has heaped praise on the Parisian star, indicating that Matuidi’s abilities enhance the qualities of those around him.
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“He looked around himself and saw that his teammates are better than him, and as he’s a serious and hard-working guy, he knew how to inspire them,” Girard said, as per L’Equipe [via Le 10 Sport].
“PSG wasn’t an easy challenge for him, but in the end, he’s made a really beneficial decision.”