In an interview with France Info (via Goal) Former UEFA president Michel Platini didn’t hold his words when criticizing Paris Saint-Germain. The 64-year-old called Les Parisiens Coca-Cola, wondering what the identity of the club is.
"Everything is based on wealth – money kills a philosophy of football." — Platini takes aim at PSG in a tirade against modern soccer. https://t.co/qDreRYZR4C
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) November 6, 2019
Considering his ban has recently ended as a result of taking a “disloyal payment” in 2011, Platini’s quotes are those of someone looking attention. The French international never really goes into detail as to why PSG are similar to Coca-Cola. All he mentions is that the owners are Qataris, the sporting director is Brazilian, the coach is German, and there’s a Frenchman. After that, Platini goes on to say why is the club called PSG.
Platini doesn’t understand that PSG has become a prime destination for world-class players. Perhaps there’s a grudge held with the club considering he played for Juventus FC. The Frenchman strikes as someone who wants the state of European football to remain the status quo. That only the old guard of clubs can have access to world-class players and stay on top.
The capital club isn’t backing down from the old guard of football. PSG are putting the rest of Europe on notice that they’re not some flash in the pan club. If anything, they were a sleeping giant. Paris is a desirable destination for anyone, and all it took was someone to invest in it.
Furthermore, over the last couple of seasons, the club has relied less and less on Qatar Sports Investment money. PSG are becoming independent and are mainly spending what they earn through new deals with sponsors.
Lastly, it’s ironic that Platini complains that money is killing the sport, even though he took cash from under the table as president of UEFA. Perhaps the French legend should look at himself before making such comments about money.
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