Mehdi Benatia "does not close the doors of Paris"

The former Moroccan international Mehdi Benatia revealed a notable stance regarding his future in sports management, emphasizing that he does not close the door on the possibility of returning to the world of football in the future, even if that is through the traditional rival of his club Olympique Marseille, Paris Saint-Germain.

During his appearance on the program "The Bridge," which featured several names including Paul Pogba and Aurélien Tchouaméni, Benatia spoke about his relationship with Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, saying: "Today, I have a relationship based on great respect and appreciation with Nasser, and there is mutual affection between us, and he is the president of a great French club."

Benatia added in a statement that sparked wide reactions: "Today I decided to step away from the field, and I made that decision for several reasons, but if in three, four, or five years a project arises that makes me return to football, and if Nasser needs me, even if that is within Paris Saint-Germain, and if the project at that time is suitable for me... why would I say no? I have no commitments to anyone, and I owe nothing to anyone."

Benatia concluded his statements by confirming that he had not originally planned to work as a sports director within Marseille, before being contacted to help the club he knows well due to his previous ties to the city and the team.

Benatia's tenure at the head of the sports management of Olympique Marseille ended with the conclusion of the current season's French league, after three years spent in roles as a technical advisor and then the sports director of the "Sky" team.