PSG Transfer News Roundup: Riquelme speaks of his admiration for Lionel Messi; Nottingham Forest cool Keylor Navas chase, and more - January 27, 2023
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are leading the Ligue 1 title race after 19 games. Christophe Galtier's men will next face Reims at the Parc des Princes on Sunday (January 29) in the league.
Meanwhile, former Argentina international Juan Roman Riquelme has professed his love for Lionel Messi. Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest have cooled their interest in Keylor Navas.
On that note, here's a look at the key PSG transfer stories as on January 27, 2023:
Riquelme speaks of his admiration for Lionel Messi
Juan Roman Riquelme has spoken about his love for Lionel Messi. The PSG superstar further elevated his status in the football world after winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The 35-year-old was adjudged the best player of the tournament after registering seven goals and three assists in seven games.
Speaking to TyC Sports, as cited by The Mirror, Riquelme also shed light on Messi's confrontation with Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal in the quarterfinals.
“I think Van Gaal had said something, and he should not have. There are things that cannot happen in football. You cannot make him (Messi) angry. It is preferable to hug him, kiss him, so that he does not want to beat you," said Riquelme.
He added:
"When the best player in the world gets angry, you don't have a chance to beat him. It is impossible. That's why Van Gaal's words about Argentina were actually very good for them. And on top of that, Messi has an advantage because, when he gets angry, he doesn't get sent off like other players."
Riquelme added that he has a very good relationship with Messi, showering praise on his compatriot.
"He knows that I love him very much; we talk from time to time. I don't bother him much, but we have a very good relationship. I only wrote to him when we lost the first game and when we won the final," said Riquelme.
He concluded:
“I always said that as long as Messi plays, Argentina are always going to be the favourite. He wants to compete; he plays football like he would in the street. When he plays, it is wonderful.”
Messi has amassed 13 goals and 14 assists in 21 games across competitions for the Parisians this season.
Nottingham Forest cool Keylor Navas pursuit
Nottingham Forest are likely to stall their pursuit of Keylor Navas, according to The Independent.
The Costa Rican goalkeeper has starved off first team opportunities at PSG this season. Christophe Galtier has preferred Gianluigi Donnarumma for the No 1 role at the Parc des Princes this season, raising doubts over Navas' future with the Parisians.
Nottingham were previously monitoring the 36-year-old as a replacement for the injured Dean Henderson at the City Ground. However, with the English goalkeeper likely to return to action on February 11, Forest have cooled their interest in Navas.
Inter Milan want to offload Milan Skriniar this month amid PSG interest
Inter Milan are eager to cash in on Milan Skriniar this month, according to journalist Fabrizio Biasin.
The Slovakian defender is a target for PSG this year. The Parisians wanted the player last summer but failed to get a deal across the line. Galtier remains eager to reinforce his backline and has Skriniar on his wishlist.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster Telelombardia, as relayed by Sempre Inter, Biasin said that the 27-year-old is planning to leave for free to secure a handsome sign-on bonus.
"If it were up to Inter, they would bring in whatever fee they can and move on from the player immediately. On the other hand, Skriniar has every interest in staying until the end of the season, as he can then get whatever fee would have gone to Inter as a sign-on bonus in June,” said Biasin.
Skriniar has appeared 27 times across competitions this season for the Nerazzurri, registering one assist.
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