Benatia Opens Door to PSG Return: "I Could Come Back in 3 or 5 Years If Al-Khelaifi Needs Me" - Elbotola
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Benatia Opens Door to PSG Return: "I Could Come Back in 3 or 5 Years If Al-Khelaifi Needs Me"

Benatia Opens Door to PSG Return: "I Could Come Back in 3 or 5 Years If Al-Khelaifi Needs Me"

T.E (Elbotola)
20 May 2026at17:01

Former Olympique Marseille sporting director, Moroccan Mehdi Benatia, has confirmed he does not rule out a future return to football, potentially through Paris Saint-Germain, should a suitable project led by Nasser Al-Khelaifi present itself.

Speaking in press statements reported by "Foot Mercato," Benatia said: "I decided to leave. I made this decision for many reasons. And if tomorrow I am still talking to people like Nasser Al-Khelaifi, with whom, I repeat, there is a lot of respect and affection between us, it's because he might need me someday. Not now, because if I stop today, I really need to step away and rest."

He added: "But after three, four, or even five years, if there is a project that motivates me to return to the world of football, and Nasser needed me, and it was for a role within Paris Saint-Germain, and if it suited me at that time, then why not?"

The former Moroccan international also emphasized that he does not feel indebted to any party in his professional career, asserting that his future decisions will be solely linked to his personal conviction and the nature of any sports project that might be offered to him.

What did Mehdi Benatia say about his future in football?

Mehdi Benatia confirmed he doesn't rule out a future return to football, potentially with Paris Saint-Germain. He stated he could come back in a few years if a suitable project, led by Nasser Al-Khelaifi, presented itself and motivated him to re-enter the sport.

How does Benatia view a potential role at Paris Saint-Germain?

Benatia sees a potential role at PSG as contingent on a project that truly motivates him and if Nasser Al-Khelaifi needs his expertise. He emphasized that any future decision would be based solely on his personal conviction and the nature of the sports project offered to him.

What conditions would prompt Mehdi Benatia's return to football?

Mehdi Benatia's return to football would be prompted by a project that genuinely motivates him, following a period of rest. He stated that if Nasser Al-Khelaifi needed him for a role within Paris Saint-Germain, and the timing was right, he would consider it.
Paris Saint Germain
French Ligue 1

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