PSG Stars Warned Over Celebrity Lifestyle

By Max Wise

Paris Saint Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has warned the club’s stars over what he calls ‘celebrity behaviour’ or risk being shown the exit at the Parc des Princes.

Qatari Sports Investment, led by Al-Khelaifi bought the Paris-based club in 2011, intending to transform it into one of the world’s most powerful clubs.

While they have been able to dominate the French League since Al-Khelaifi’s acquisition, winning Ligue 1 in all but two of the last eight seasons, PSG have flattered to deceive in Europe.

The furthest PSG have gone in Europe’s premier club competition is the quarterfinal stage despite splashing the cash on some of the world’s best players.

Al-Khelaifi has seemingly grown discontent with player misbehavior at the French champions after some high profile negative incidents gave the club some bad press last season.

Neymar in particular was issued separate bans by UEFA and the French Football Federation last season while the Brazilian has also clashed with teammate Edinson Cavani over penalty-taking duties in the past.

Adrien Rabiot was ostracized from the team in the second half of last season for refusing to sign a new contract.

Kylian Mbappe and Thomas Meunier have also gone public with their intentions of seeking new challenges elsewhere, leaving Al-Khelaifi frustrated with the drama unfolding in the French capital.

"The players will have to assume their responsibilities even more than before. It must be completely different," the club president told France Football.

"They will have to do more, work more. They are not there to please themselves.

"And if they do not agree, the doors are open, ciao! I do not want to have any celebrity behaviour anymore."