Leonardo: 'I never Wanted to Leave Inter'

Leonardo has said he was always loyal to Inter, and insists talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a director's role were only sparked after the Italian side appointed a new coach.

"PSG contacted me a number of times, but I never betrayed Inter. I never held talks with the Paris-based club until three days ago," Leonardo told the Italian press.

The Brazilian rescinded his contract with the world champions after consulting president Massimo Moratti over any possible opportunities with the French club.

"Until [Gian Piero] Gasperini's announcement I was Inter coach," Leonardo said.

"When I received an invite from PSG I spoke with Moratti and he was like a father to me. Moratti gave me the option to choose freely."

On developments with the Ligue 1 side, Leonardo said the situation was still open as talks are set to continue following initial contact last month.

"I spoke with Massimo Moratti and he let me go to Doha to talk with them [Paris Saint-Germain] on June 11," he said.

"They explained the project and asked me to join them, but I said that it would be very difficult leave Inter.

"I spoke about this project to Moratti and he understood that it could be a great chance for me.

"He was like a father for me. I was at Inter's disposal until they appointed Gasperini."

Leonardo insists he would have remained with the Italian side, but claimed media reports and speculation had been a factor in Inter's appointment of Gasperini.

"I said to Moratti that I wanted to stay at Inter," the former AC Milan star said.

"But it was impossible for the situation that was created by media and rumours.

"Now I'm free and I can do whatever I want.

"There is this oppportunity with PSG, I spoke with their owners two days ago but I don't know what will happen."

But you did! didn't you!