Medhi Benatia clarifies future PSG sporting director comments

Medhi Benatia has clarified remarks suggesting he could one day become Paris Saint-Germain’s sporting director.

The former Olympique Marseille executive said his comments were not intended to signal an immediate move to the capital, but rather to explain that he would remain open to a future opportunity.

Benatia previously said he could consider returning to football in three, four or five years if PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi contacted him with a suitable project. His words quickly attracted attention because of his recent role at Marseille, one of Paris Saint-Germain’s biggest rivals.

“I was answering the awkward question, ‘If you were offered the Paris job, would you accept?’ and it was misinterpreted. The message wasn’t, ‘If Nasser calls me tomorrow, I’ll go,’” Benatia explained.

The 39-year-old Moroccan stressed that he has a positive relationship with Al-Khelaïfi and would listen if an appealing opportunity arose later. He also defended his professional independence after working for Marseille.

“I have a good relationship with him, so if, in a few years, he calls me and it’s a good opportunity for me, I’ll go. I’m free,” he said.