PSG chief responds to Messi's criticism after his departure

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has responded to the statements of criticism Messi made after he left the club, telling RMC Sport on Tuesday: "We talk when we are there, not when we are gone. I have great respect for him [Messi] but if someone wants to talk badly about Paris Saint-Germain after [his departure], it’s not good. That's not respect [...] He's not a bad guy, but I don't like that. It's not just for him, but for everyone."

Adding that the comments against the club were not good, he said: "Messi is the best player in history. It was challenging for him to transition from Barcelona and come here all of a sudden. I have a lot of respect for him. However, I don't accept people speaking ill of Paris Saint-Germain. I want players to speak while they are at the club, not afterwards."

Lionel Messi played for two seasons at PSG and played 75 matches. He scored 32 goals and assisted 35 times during his time in France before moving to Inter Miami in the summer.