Nasser Al Khelaifi believes PSG will feel they’re playing against ’12 opponents’ at San Siro tonight, but praises ‘fantastic’ Gigio Donnarumma and Marco Verratti and insists Kylian Mbappé is helping build the club’s future.
Al Khelaifi, owner of Ligue 1 giants PSG, won’t be at San Siro tonight as he’s recently undergone knee surgery, so doctors have advised against flying to Milan for tonight’s Champions League fixture against the Rossoneri.
“It won’t be easy to stay away from my players, Luis Enrique and director Campos with whom I am in constant contact,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“San Siro has an incredible history and atmosphere. It’s a fortress where you play against 12 opponents. I love Milan: I often go there for business and leisure. I’ll watch the game on TV. It will be a titanic match between great clubs.”
Donnarumma is expected to get a harsh reception from Rossoneri fans, who will reportedly throw fake banknotes at their ex-keeper. Fans in Curva Sud will also wear shirts with the N.71 which in the Neapolitan tradition means ‘Man with no values.’
“Gigio is among the best goalkeepers in the world, he is still young and he’s very professional,” said Al-Khelaifi.
“A fantastic person. When he signed for us, he had just won the Euros as the best player, an incredible achievement for a goalkeeper. What he did for Milan was incredible too. I have great respect for him and Milan.”
Another Italian player, Verratti, has recently left PSG, but Al-Khelaifi spoke highly of his ex-midfielder as well.
“I pay my respect to Verratti for the contribution he gave to PSG for 11 years. A fantastic player that Italy and the national team must be proud of,” he said.
Mbappé will start at San Siro tonight but may leave the Ligue 1 giants at the end of the season. Real Madrid have been linked with the French superstar, but the Merengues have recently ruled out any approach for the striker.
“I haven’t seen their statement, we are just focused on ourselves, not the others,” insisted the PSG owner.
“Kylian keeps achieving great targets and perhaps people take it for granted, but nobody has played two World Cup Finals scoring a hat-trick. I repeat, Kylian is the best player in the world and it’s fantastic to see him lead PSG and France. He has a positive effect on all our young players and is helping PSG build our future.”
Al-Khelaifi was named ECA President following Andrea Agnelli’s dismissal in 2021 after the ex-Juventus President had worked to create the so-called European Super League. Al-Khelaifi was asked if the domination of European football is in danger with the rise of the Saudi Pro League, but he didn’t seem bothered.
“Milan and Inter are active members of ECA, like many other clubs, including Palermo who have just joined an institution with circa 500 clubs,” he said.
“We work closely with UEFA to develop football for everyone’s good, generating more resources for each club. The Saudi League or other leagues are not a threat. UEFA have the best competitions, the best players and the richest history, plus the largest fan base in the world. These are the ingredients of success.”