Neymar-Ronaldo swap deal? PSG boss Emery gives his verdict

Stephen Darwin

Neymar-Ronaldo swap deal? PSG boss Emery gives his verdict image

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Unai Emery was non-committal when asked about a potential swap deal involving Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo, saying he was happy to have the Brazilian.

As revealed by Goal, PSG will allow the 26-year-old forward to leave for Madrid, but only if he helps the Ligue 1 side win the Champions League.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, has long been linked with a switch to Paris, with France Football claiming on Tuesday that the Portuguese had even stated his desire to join the French club to a friend.

Both sides meet in the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday, with all eyes on the performances of two of the best players in world football.

And amid all the rumours about both players potentially moving clubs, Emery was asked the big question regarding a possible swap deal and whether he'd exchange Neymar for Ronaldo.

He told reporters: "Well, this can be a difficult question to ask or an easy one, depending on how you look at it or how I want to answer it.

"I'm delighted to have Neymar."

PSG were dumped out of the competition by Spanish opposition last season, with Barcelona recording that incredible 6-1 second-leg win to ensure they won the tie 6-5 on aggregate and advanced to the quarter-finals.

And Emery feels his side will have learned lessons from that harrowing defeat and that they're better prepared ahead of going toe-to-toe with Zinedine Zidane's side.

He added: "Maybe the preparation already started after that game as we wanted to get something positive out of that experience.

"We've spoken about that game briefly but very straight to the point, every bad experience gives you the chance to learn a lot.

"I think we're better prepared now and, regardless as to whether we win or lose, I think this team is ready to compete at this level and against the best team."

Stephen Darwin