Leonardo insists he was ready to stay at Inter until President Massimo Moratti left the door open for his exit.
Leonardo insists he was ready to stay at Inter until President Massimo Moratti left the door open for his exit.
The Brazilian has been replaced by Gian Piero Gasperini after Leonardo was contacted by the new owners at Paris SG regarding a sporting director role.
"After winning the Coppa Italia, a victory I was very happy with as it was my first as a Coach, I chose to go on holiday to Brazil," he stated at a Press conference today.
"I then had a meeting set up with Inter to make plans for the new season and we were already working on it.
"I then received a call about Paris SG, the people who had still not bought the club by then, as they wanted to talk to me about their project.
"I spoke to President Moratti to tell him that I didn't know what to do.
"I went to Doha, even before going to Brazil, and I was told of their plans for PSG.
"My first response was that it was impossible for me to join them. The new season was practically already under way.
"Then I spoke with Moratti and he told me that it was a beautiful opportunity. He treated me like a son. I went to Brazil to think about it.
"I was still deciding when the rumours of the Marcelo Bielsa contact emerged.
"I was always ready to stay at Inter and I hadn't spoken to Paris SG until three days ago.
"Remember what Moratti said before Gasperini arrived when he noted that I was still the Inter boss and that I could remain.
"Only after Gasperini's contract was agreed did we decide to end our relationship. From that moment I was free to do what I wanted and that is still the case."
Leonardo left Inter following just half a season with the outfit after he replaced Rafael Benitez on Christmas Eve.
"It's sad to no longer be the Inter Coach seeing as what was created," he added. "It was a privilege. I haven't betrayed Inter in any way."
Leo is now expected to move to former club PSG, although he maintains that nothing has been decided.
"I haven't signed anything yet," continued the former Milan boss. "I haven't spoken about money and nothing is certain."