Thiago Motta admits he already has Atletico Madrid “in mind” after announcing his desire to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
The Brazil-born Italy midfielder, who spent an injury-ravaged 2007-08 at the Vicente Calderon, has been heavily linked with a return to Atleti, and he has made it clear that he plans to push through a move “as soon as possible”.
“I want to leave [PSG]. I’ve always been honest with the club and already informed them of my intentions,” he said after PSG’s penalty-shootout defeat to Chelsea in the International Champions Cup on Saturday.
“They know that I need other motives to continue playing at the highest level.
“I’ll speak with [President] Nasser Al-Khelaifi and together we’ll find a solution that suits everyone.
“I understand PSG’s position, but I’d like them to understand mine.
“I’ve spoken to the Coach and he understands my feelings. It’s not me who ultimately decides [whether I go], but I think speaking will lead to solutions.
“I already have a club in mind and they’ve been leaked to the Press. There’s already been contact with Atletico Madrid.
“They’re a club where I’ve played before but couldn’t give them everything I wanted to. Still, it would be a great challenge for me.
“The best thing would be to find a solution as soon as possible. In the meantime, I’ll try to be as professional with the club as possible and do my best because PSG have given me a lot.
“Nasser has also given me a lot. I’ll be forever grateful to Nasser, but we must find solutions.”