Retiring midfielder Thiago Motta hopes to one day coach Paris Saint-Germain s first team as he looks to a future in the dugout.
The former Barcelona and Inter star will play at the Parc des Princes for the last time on Saturday when PSG host Rennes, before the 35-year-old steps into a role with the club s youth team.
But Motta has loftier ambitions as a head coach and is already planning a route to the top at the Ligue 1 champions.
I think it s easier [to start in the youth system], because I m new as a coach, he told L Equipe. I want to give them something. They too will give me a lot.
My goal is to one day coach the PSG first team. I will go step by step, but I will not hide that I have it in a corner of my head, even if it is still a long way off just as I had, at the beginning of my career as a player, [the goal] to evolve at Barca.
When Thiago Motta captained PSG to their th Trophée des champions title!
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English)
And as Motta calls time on a glittering career including titles in Spain, Italy and France he has few regrets.
I m happy with everything I ve done, he said. Although I do regret never having played a final of the Champions League [having won two titles without playing].
I thought this year was good, but to analyse my career overall, I did everything. I have had a lot of positive experiences.
In his head, a player always wants to continue, but one must know when to stop at the right moment. And, for me, that s now the case.
Motta could claim his final trophy and complete a domestic treble with PSG this season when Unai Emery s men face third-tier Les Herbiers in Tuesday s Coupe de France final.