Former Marseille executive Medhi Benatia has clarified comments suggesting he could one day become Paris Saint-Germain’s sporting director, insisting his remarks were about a potential future opportunity rather than an imminent move to the capital.
Benatia recently said he would consider returning to football in three, four or five years if PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi approached him with an attractive project.
The comments attracted attention given Benatia’s recent position at Marseille, one of PSG’s biggest rivals.
However, the 39-year-old Moroccan explained that his answer had been taken out of context.
“I was answering the awkward question, ‘If you were offered the Paris job, would you accept?’ and it was misinterpreted. The message wasn’t, ‘If Nasser calls me tomorrow, I’ll go,’” Benatia explained.
Benatia stressed that he maintains a positive relationship with Al-Khelaïfi and would be willing to consider an opportunity with PSG if one emerged several years from now.
“I have a good relationship with him, so if, in a few years, he calls me and it’s a good opportunity for me, I’ll go. I’m free.”
The former Morocco international also emphasized his professional independence, making clear that his previous association with Marseille would not prevent him from considering opportunities elsewhere in football.
For now, Benatia’s comments do not indicate any imminent move to PSG, with his remarks instead leaving the door open to a potential future role at the Parisian club.