PSG president hails 'wonderful' Champions League win over Valencia

07-Mar-2013 9:51:00 PM

Nasser Al-Khelaifi was thrilled after the club reached the quarter-finals for the first time since 1995, and claimed sporting director Leonardo's recent criticims were misquoted

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has hailed the team's progression to the last eight of the Champions League as a "wonderful" achievement.

A 1-1 draw with Valencia on Wednesday at Parc des Princes was enough to secure a 3-2 aggregate win, taking les Parisiens through to the quarter-finals for the first time in 18 years, much to the the delight of the owner.

"I'm very happy," he told RMC after the match. "It's wonderful for us. We have not arrived [in the last eight] for 18 years.

"It is not easy. We launched our project a year and a half ago. After 18 months, this is a very good result for us."

Al-Khelaifi was also quick to dismiss recent comments from sporting director Leonardo, stating that the Brazilian was misquoted when it was claimed he stated PSG were better suited to European competition than Ligue 1.

"The media has misinterpreted his remarks," said the 39-year-old. "He said that the first thing we must do is respect everyone, and all clubs. This is the philosophy of PSG.

"He was upset after the defeat at Reims. It was a tough day.

"He respects everyone. I have a good relationship with him. He did a good job. He was angry after the Reims game, for sure, but he is very calm. I have no problems with him."