Nasser Al-Khelaifi says ‘if people ask me my opinion, I will answer them’ (Picture: Getty)
Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has responded to rumours he is involved with the Qatari takeover of Manchester United.
It is believed that Al-Khelaifi has been in contact with both the Glazers – who currently own United – and Qatari bidder Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani.
PSG’s president has reportedly played a ‘significant role’ in the saga, with Sheikh Jassim’s team seeking Al-Khelaifi’s advice in the initial phases.
It is also thought that the Glazers subsequently contacted him in an attempt to persuade Sheikh Jassim to increase his bid.
Though there appears to be nothing untoward in Al-Khelaifi’s involvement, it has naturally raised eyebrows among the other Premier League club owners.
Many are worried that United will become the latest English club to come under what is perceived by many to be effectively state ownership – particularly since Al-Khelaifi is also the chairman of Qatar Sports Investment – and is looking to increase the country’s involvement in football.
But Al-Khelaifi has distanced himself from the reports linking him with the takeover of United as he spoke in Istanbul after a meeting of the influential European Clubs’ Association (ECA) – which he chairs.
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‘Paris St-Germain is my club, in my heart, and I have nothing to do with Manchester United,’ Al-Khelaifi said.
‘It makes me laugh. I am Qatari, right? If people ask me my opinion, I will answer them for sure – and that’s what they do.
‘I am talking about anyone, not just Manchester United. I will give them the experience that I have. That’s it.’
Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim wants to buy Man Utd from the Glazers (Picture: Getty)
Speaking last month, Al-Khelaifi revealed he had spoken to an unnamed wealthy group about potential investment in two English clubs.
‘I’m not going to mention them but one was small, the other big,’ he added. ‘I don’t know who the guy was. But I told him my opinion.
‘I want the best for European competitions… If it’s within the regulation, why not? Not only Qatari, everyone.’
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‘If people ask me my opinion, I will answer them…’