Paris (AFP)

The advent of a new era: PSG has decided to start the departure of Thiago Silva, emblematic captain of the 2010 decade, the beginnings of the Qatari project, and repeated failures in the Champions League. While waiting for that of Edinson Cavani, the other idol of the Parc des Princes?

If he has so far failed in the quest for the European grail, "O Monstro" will remain considered the "best defender in history" of the Parisian club. More than a consolation prize for the stainless Brazilian stopper (35 years old) ... winner of more than 20 titles in eight seasons in France!

Until the end, Thiago Silva nevertheless hoped to see his contract expiring on June 30 next be extended. At least until 2022, the year of the World Cup in Qatar. The last big goal of his long career.

"For us, it would be great to continue at PSG (...). This is where the children grew up, it is in Paris that we would like to continue our careers", had even argued his wife in Le Parisien, mid-May.

But Parisian sports director Leonardo, the architect of his transfer with great fanfare from AC Milan in 2012, has decided to turn the page to launch phase 2 of the Qatari project. For sporting and financial reasons.

With losses estimated at more than 200 M EUR by the club because of the health crisis, the necessary reduction of a payroll exceeding 300 M EUR is necessary while the Brazilian captain enjoys an XXL salary.

- Marquinhos, scheduled successor -

From FC Barcelona's 2017 “escalada” to Manchester United's improbable “comeback” in 2019, Thiago Silva symbolizes above all, against his will, the successive glorious eliminations in C1 which sealed the beginnings of the QSI project .

To replace it, Paris has already found its ideal internal successor: Marquinhos.

In the prime of life, charismatic, and exemplary on and off the field, the Brazilian (26 years) is supposed to embody in the coming years a PSG less "bling-bling", more humble and hardworking.

The first Latin American player to return to France three weeks before resuming training, the vice-captain has already said he is ready to inherit the armband and the status of boss of the Paris defense.

"If, at some point, I have to be a captain, I will try to do it in the best possible way," he said in an interview with AFP at the end of November, welcoming the contribution of his mentor Thiago Silva in his high level learning.

"Being the best defender in the world means a lot. It's a personal goal, which can also help achieve the team's goals," he added before extending his contract until June 2024.

Between Presnel Kimpembe, Thilo Kehrer, Abdou Diallo and the young hope Tanguy Kouassi (18), about to sign his first professional contract, Paris is not obliged to strengthen the axis of his defense by an expensive recruitment. Unless an opportunity at a lower price this summer ...

- Cavani, the next to leave? -

Edinson Cavani, Thomas Meunier and Layvin Kurzawa, also at the end of the contract on June 30, will they experience the same fate as Thiago Silva?

If the logic continues, the Uruguayan (33 years old), crowned with the status of top scorer in the history of PSG (200 goals), may also see his Parisian adventure, started in 2013, end sooner than expected .

This scenario is not satisfied by the supporters. In a "live" on Saturday on social networks with the pro-PSG Youtubeur Sabri ParisienOuRien, Nicolas Anelka urged the club in the capital to keep the "Matador" of the Parc des Princes.

"Letting Cavani go would be a very big mistake (...). It remains a N.9 as there is none left. He has a lot of waste, but he makes crazy calls and he scores. serve whatever happens, "said the former PSG striker (1996-1997, 2000-2002).

"In Paris, you need competition. He's a super striker that you risk giving in to a competitor since he will necessarily leave for a big club. And when he plays against PSG, he will score for sure. And that's where they'll have big regrets, "concluded Anelka.

© 2020 AFP