22 May 2007, by Sean Gillen

Pauleta thanks long-suffering PSG fans

Portuguese striker aims to finish top scorer in France

Pedro Pauleta has thanked the fans of Paris Saint-Germain, after the striker scored both goals in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Troyes to go top of the Ligue 1 top goalscorers’ charts.

The win at PGS’s Parc Des Princes stadium was a positive final home game of the campaign, after a season to forget for the side from the capital. With one game remaining, Pauleta’s men are finally safe from relegation, and the Azorean was keen to thank the club’s loyal following after the match.

“We are all happy to finish well at the Parc,” he said. “The public deserved the match that we produced today. Of course, we are not satisfied with the season, but the most important thing was to finish on a positive note with our supporters.”

“I only have one thing to say to our fans: thanks a lot! This club will remain in my heart for life. I am happy to have scored two goals, although I should have got three or four.”

For a long time on Saturday it looked as though the match would not go PSG’s way, after Benjamin Nivet’s twenty-metre effort gave Troyes a 23rd minute lead, and the visitors held on to their advantage until well into the second half.

However, PSG won a penalty twenty minutes from time, and captain Pauleta stepped up to send Ronan Le Crom the wrong way and find the top left corner to draw his side level.

Just seven minutes later and Portugal’s all-time top goalscorer grabbed the winner. Substitute Amara Diane combined well with Peguy Luyindula to find Pauleta inside the area, and the 34-year-old calmly slid the ball underneath Le Crom with his left foot.

The goal sees Pauleta move to the top of the Ligue 1 goal standings, and the striker is keen to add to his total in next weekend’s season final game at Lorient. “I will attempt to preserve this place as top scorer in the championship. For that, I cannot hope that others don’t score, it is important that I score against Lorient.”