French champions PSG did everything possible within the laws of the game to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid, according to the club’s former sporting director Leonardo.
In an interview with Telefoot, the ex Milan and Inter coach also claimed the Paris-based side were close to securing the signature of French midfielder Paul Pogba, who is plying his trade at Juventus.
The Brazilian said that although the club failed to make either move materialise, he believes Carlo Ancelotti’s old side – who won their first league title in almost two decades under the Italian last season – have the best squad in Europe.
“Pogba is at the level to play for PSG, of course. We thought of him and thought he would be a great investment because he is one of the best midfielders in the world. We also thought of signing Ronaldo. I did everything within the written laws to try to get him to Paris but it was impossible to make him leave Real Madrid,” he said.
Leonardo added: “There is no other team that has the squad of the Paris Saint-Germain. No other team has such offensive force. The team is ready for now and for the future.”
The 44-year-old also waded into the Ballon d’Or debate, and suggested Franck Ribery should win it this year because the other main candidates – Ronaldo and Lionel Mess i- have already won the award.
“Ronaldo, Messi and Ribery are the type of players who make you dream. I prefer Ribery for the Ballon d’Or, as it would be his first title. Ronaldo and Messi also merit it but they have already won,” he stated.
