Africcon Blogspot Report: I am joining one of the biggest clubs in the world," Edinson Cavani said with some of his first words as a Paris Saint-Germain player Tuesday. "One that can win the Champions League.
PSG finally unveiled Cavani as their first signing of this summer's transfer window after an epic two-hour wait, setting a French transfer record at 64 million euros in the process. However, as that was happening, sporting director Leonardo was hastening his departure from the club.
-Cavani completes move to PSG
-Napoli chief: Signing 'ethically wrong'
In the circus manner than has become PSG's custom, the 120-minute delay that greeted the Parc des Princes audience was believed to be down to the club's attempts to unveil Marquinhos at the same time as Cavani. A double presentation would have been a massive statement of intent from the Ligue 1 champions, but they will have to wait for the Brazilian sensation a little longer instead.
However, Cavani, from Uruguay, completed his highly anticipated move to Paris as PSG finally sprung into life after a difficult postseason transition period that has seen both Carlo Ancelotti and now Leonardo depart. Club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi put on a serious face and hailed his new signing’s decision, but ‘El Matador’ arriving at the Parc des Princes is still only papering over the cracks for now.
“Leonardo’s decision doesn’t change our objectives,” Al-Khelaifi said. Our main objective is to win the Champions League in the coming four years.
"The transfer of Edinson Cavani is further proof of the club's ability to attract the best players in the world.
"The player was seduced by the club's sporting project and is delighted to be joining an ambitious side."
Although Cavani, 26, had been in talks with the club for the best part of the last fortnight, the French champions could not hurry the deal through in time to steal Monaco’s thunder last week when they unveiled star man Falcao. PSG have finally gotten their man though, persuading him to move to the Parc des Princes ahead of a host of other European suitors.
Cavani is an excellent addition to the PSG side; there can be no doubt about that. Since 2010 he has scored 78 goals in Serie A, more than any other player. His arrival, as the fifth most expensive player in football history, also ends the club's search for a natural second striker to play alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
