The man who shunned PSG for Reading

7 years ago

The man who shunned PSG for Reading

The 20-year-old winger turned down a new contract offer from the Ligue 1 champions to secure a move to the Championship outfit in pursuit of regular first-team football

Yakou Meite has revealed the faith shown in him by Reading was the reason behind his decision to leave Paris Saint-Germain in favour of a move to the Championship outfit.

The 20-year-old winger raised eyebrows when he opted against signing a new contract with the Ligue 1 champions to secure a switch to the Royals in the second tier of English football.

Having won the French title for the last four seasons, PSG are a club that players are usually desperate to join rather than leave but Meite feels the opportunity to play regular first-team football is greater at Reading than at Les Parisiens.

In an exclusive interview with Goal, Meite said: “At my age money is not the most important, even if we always pay attention to the salary.

“The most important thing is to play to the maximum and I do not know if I would have had the chance to have as much playing time [at PSG] as I can have in Reading. Now it is not certain that I play here, I have to work to earn my place.

“I do not really have guarantees but I felt that the coach and sports director really wanted me.

They have faith in me. From there, I think I have a chance to play this season.”

Meite also revealed that he turned down offers from Serie A clubs because he felt England represents the perfect environment for him to develop.

“I chose England rather than Serie A because I think my game is more suited to England,” Meite continued. “Now that I've set foot here, I'll soon see whether I was wrong or not.”

Meite joined PSG's academy at the age of 13 and scored in the Under-19 side's UEFA Youth League final defeat against Chelsea last season, as well as making his first-team debut against Guingamp in April.

The Paris-born prodigy “thanks” PSG for their efforts during his time at the club but is excited about his future at Reading and promises his new fans that he will “give his all” in every game.

When asked what his targets are for the new campaign, he added: “[To] make a very good season of course, gain experience and score as much as possible.

“The fans can count on me! I'll give my all in every game whether I start or not. I hope that we will live great things together.”