Leonardo makes PSG return

Former Inter Milan boss Leonardo has been unveiled as Paris Saint-Germain’s new general manager.

The Brazilian had been linked with the post since leaving Serie A club Inter earlier this month, and has finally reached an agreement with the PSG board.

Leonardo’s arrival comes as president Robin Leproux departs the club, having been removed from his position to allow the new general manager full control over PSG’s transfer policy.

The 41-year-old spent one season in the French capital as a player, and said he was excited to return.

“I’m really happy to be there. I have strong memories in Paris,” Leonardo said.

“I always thought I could come back but I did not know this would be like that.”

“It was not easy for me to leave Italy. In Paris, there is much to know and to do. This club is 41 years old, a tradition. It’s a big club coming out of a good season.”

Leonardo spent just six months in charge of Inter after the dismissal of Rafa Benitez in December, but helped the club win the Coppa Italia last season.

State-run Qatar Sports Investments bought a 70 per cent stake in PSG last month and have resolved to return the club to the upper echelons of European football.

But Leonardo said the club would not rush into success by spending big in the transfer market.

“The owners want to work in the long term,” he said.

“We do not want to buy 10 Messis, that’s not how you build a team. You need a base. It exists and must be improved.”

“We want to play in the Champions League and be good in France. I think the first thing is to talk with the coach (Antoine Kombouare) and see who will stay or leave.”

“The transfer window ends on August 31. It is not a project to win the first game but in the long term. I have to study and, slowly, build a project. ”

PSG begin their Ligue 1 campaign at home against Lorient on August 6.