Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Jeremy Menez has given the strongest indication yet that his time at the French champions is coming to an end.
Menez, 26, had been tipped to leave the Ligue 1 leaders during the January transfer window but it now seems certain that he will depart Paris when his contract expires this summer.
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caption: Menez has been largely confined to the PSG bench this season, making just nine starts in all competitions
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“When you’re 26, you no longer think the way you did when you were 18,” the attacking midfielder told France Bleu. “I’ve had a child and I’ve created a family.
“A contract extension was on the agenda but it wasn’t completed. I have three months left with PSG so we’ll see what happens at the end of the season.”
If he does leave, Italy seems the most likely destination for Menez. Juventus, AC Milan, Napoli and Inter Milan have all been linked with a move for the ex-Roma player in recent months.
Troubled by injury at the start of the season, Menez has struggled to get back into the PSG starting XI in the face of competition from Lucas Moura, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Javier Pastore.
He has featured only 11 times in Ligue 1 this season, starting six matches, and he was booed by supporters during his last appearance in February.
“The injury made me miss preseason training but I came back and I haven’t had enough game time since then,” he said.
“I’ve recovered but it’s really important to get a run of matches. I haven’t been able to but I respect the decisions of the coach.
“I probably lack confidence. Critics, the boos, I can cope with them. It’s tougher for my family. But the best is still to come.”
Having lost his place in the France national squad, Menez is also realistic about his chances of returning in time for the World Cup.
“I haven’t played a lot and I don’t see why that would change.” he said. “It’s going to be difficult for me to go to the World Cup.”
