14 August 2007, by Lorna Danion

Pauleta ponders PSG future

Striker mulls over move away from French capital

Pedro Pauleta’s time at French club Paris Saint-Germain appears to be on the verge of ending, with the veteran Portuguese striker admitting that he is considering leaving the club.

PSG coach Paul Le Guen has used the former Portugal international as a squad player since taking the reigns at the Parc des Princes at the beginning of the year, and Pauleta was an unused substitute in the team’s 0-0 draw with Lens on Sunday evening.

“Today I have three options,” the Azorean said in an interview with Le Parisien, when asked about his future, in light of reported interest from Galatasaray.

“The first one is to create problems with the manager or the club. It is impossible for that to happen: this is not in my nature and does not fit my personality. That one I can dismiss straight away.”

“The second is to stay, accept the situation and play 60 minutes every 15 days. The third one is to leave the club at end of the month. I will reflect and make the right decision.”

“I want to be very clear: there are no problems between me and the club. I have a good relationship with the coach, a relationship of admiration and mutual respect. But this is a question of choice. The coach makes his and I will go and reflect to make mine.”

“I still say what I said two months ago: I want to end my career in Paris. I feel good in Paris, in this team, in this club. I do not know how long I have left in my career; when you play all your life, you want to continue playing, especially when you feel as well as I do.”

“It is just a question of choice: I either accept this situation in the knowledge that I will play a lot less than in other years, or I leave to join a club where I know I will play.”

When asked if the situation was upsetting for him, Pauleta responded: “No, in no way. I feel fine. It is also a family decision. We will see. Football has never been a question of money for me. Football, it is to play, to score, to win.”