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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Jonathan Gorrie

Neymar to Chelsea: Christophe Galtier sends message after Paris Saint-Germain appointment

Christophe Galtier has been appointed as Mauricio Pochettino’s replacement at PSG

(Picture: AFP via Getty Images)

Christophe Galtier has confirmed his desire to keep Neymar at Paris Saint-Germain in a bullish opening message about the forward’s future.

On Tuesday, the Ligue 1 champions confirmed the departure of Mauricio Pochettino after 18 months in the French capital, moving to appoint former Nice and Lille manager Galtier as a quick-fire replacement.

The 55-year-old signed a two-year contract at the Parc des Princes and was formally unveiled in the wake of Pochettino’s sacking, holding a press conference in which he was asked about Neymar’s future.

Standard Sport understands agents working on the Brazilian’s behalf approached Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly over the idea of a blockbuster move.

The 30-year-old remains one of the biggest names in the game despite frequent criticism following his record-breaking move to PSG in 2017.

With the club looking to change direction following yet another premature Champions League exit, Neymar has been linked with a move away, and the former Barcelona star has often been talked of as exactly the kind of ill-advised superstar signing to have often undermined their attempts to conquer Europe.

Speaking to reporters, Galtier said: “He is a world class player. One of the best on the planet.

“Which coach would not want to have him in their team? I have an idea of exactly what I expect from him. I hope that he stays with us.”

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