Pauleta hints at PSG return

“I can still play at the highest level” says Azorean

Former Portugal forward Pedro Pauleta admits he still does not know if he will continue his career next season, having so far failed to secure a new club after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.

The Azorean striker, who turned 35 in April, left the French capital at the end of last season after five years with PSG, but is yet to receive a firm offer to tempt him into playing on next year, despite some interest from the Middle East.

“I am still capable of playing at the highest level and scoring goals,” he said. “I am always available for PSG and, if I have not found a club to play with for another year by the end of August, I will ask for a meeting with the directors at the club to discuss my return.

“In France, I do not see myself playing for any club other than PSG. I have offers from the Persian Gulf, but I’ll see what else happens. In Portugal, no interesting offers have arrived. If I can’t arrange something with a new club, I will give up my career.”

If a return to PSG does materialise for Portugal’s all-time top goalscorer, it appears unlikely that it would be on the playing staff. Club president, Charles Villeneuve, says he has spoken at length with Pauleta, but it will be the decision of manager Paul Le Guen, with whom the Portuguese reportedly shares a frosty relationship, what changes are made to the squad.

“I spoke with Pauleta for an hour. We spoke about the possibility of him being an ambassador of the club. Paul Le Guen is the man to ask about the other side. If the contracts of Pauleta and (Mario) Yepes were not renewed, it is because the plan for the team next season does not include them.”