Paris Saint-Germain wing-back Nuno Mendes has revealed he never had any intentions to leave the Ligue 1 giants. He was being chased by Manchester United for over two transfer windows, but his claim that he is happy in the French capital has now spilled water on the Premier League side's approach, with the Portuguese star eyeing further glory with Luis Enrique's team.
Portugal international thriving with PSG
Mendes, currently deemed one of the best left-backs in the world, rose to the limelight during his displays with PSG and the Portuguese national team last season. Although he is yet to establish himself as a heavyweight in the national camp despite lifting the Nations League this year, his contributions behind the Parisians' Champions League success and clean sweep of domestic trophies last season were immense. In a recent interview with , he claimed that his representatives communicated frequently with club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and that he wanted to stay at the club to take them to the zenith. This indirectly indicates that although he was a favourite inside the United boardroom, he never wanted to join them.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportMendes reiterates PSG commitment
Mendes extended his stay at PSG last season, adding four more years to his existing contract. Speaking about having any interest from other clubs, he stated: "No. My agent spoke a lot with the president. I always wanted to continue here, to put PSG at the top level. It was on both sides that we wanted it. It's a pleasure to play here."
The 24-year-old has always been seen as a great attacker, but he struggled while defending at times. He explained how PSG supremo Luis Enrique shaped him into a better defensive option, adding: "At the beginning, I wasn't very strong in defense. I knew how to attack with speed. Luis Enrique noticed that, he helped me a lot defensively, and today I'm good [on both sides]. I try to balance the attacks, rest a little when necessary. The coach did a good job, and not just for me. [Versatility] is something that Luis Enrique brought us and that we will keep for life, even if he leaves or if we leave.
"It also comes from me, knowing what I can do to improve, but he has taught me a lot. Before, in one-on-one defense, it was a bit difficult, because I only thought about attacking. But he told me: 'You have to defend better and then I'll give you the freedom to attack.'"
Reinvented as a left-back
As a kid, Mendes was more of an attacking threat. He started as a left winger in seven-a-side football and later when he played in a 11-member team, he was shifted to a left-back. He claimed that it was not his decision to take on the position, but is currently enjoying his trade.
"It wasn't me who chose, it happens… But today, I feel good as a full-back: defender and attacker. I'm trying to get out of my comfort zone," he said. "I have a lot to learn, but right now I can't say I have any flaws or that I'm doing anything wrong. I always try to be at my best and perform at a high level to help the team. I don't focus on my flaws. I consider myself a good full-back, I don't like to say that I'm the best. You have to show that on the pitch and I always try to do that."
Getty Images SportWhat's in store for Mendes?
A stellar 2024-25 season has uplifted the expectations in the PSG camp and among the club's faithful. Mendes is currently Enrique's go-to man when it comes to the left-back position. After a stunning 7-2 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League and a 3-0 victory against Brest in Ligue 1, Mendes and PSG's upcoming assignments come in the form of an away trip to Lorient on Wednesday and a home game against Nice on Saturday. Table toppers in both the domestic league and the continental showpiece event, PSG's toughest encounter awaits them on November 4 against Bayern Munich. Bayern are on a historic run, having equalled Milan's record from 1992-93 of winning 13 straight matches at the start of the season. They share the same points as PSG in the Champions League and the encounter between the two is expected to keep the fans on the edge of their seat.