World Cup winner severs ties with PSG after 20 years - with home-grown hero Presnel Kimpembe heading to Qatar

The French defender joined the PSG academy in 2005 and went on to play 241 times for the club, scoring three goals and providing two assists. Paris-born Kimpembe made his debut in 2014 and went on to wear the captain's armband for his boyhood club 31 times. The defender would go on to become a top centre-half and earn 28 caps for his country. His form in the French capital led to his inclusion in the national team squad for the 2018 World Cup, where he and Le Bleus would be victorious.

On Kimpembe, Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, PSG's president, said: “Presnel Kimpembe has had an incredible career at Paris Saint-Germain. Since the age of 8, Presnel has grown and developed at every level within his beloved club, where he has always been an ambassador and model of professionalism. He is a fantastic example for the young players at our Youth Academy and will always be part of the Paris Saint-Germain family. We wish him every success for the future and his next adventure."

Kimpembe leaves the club as PSG's third most decorated player in its history. The defender helped the club win eight Ligue 1 titles, seven Coupe de France, six Trophee des Champions, five Coupe de la Ligue and one Champions League. The defender established himself as a key player throughout many different PSG teams, fighting back from numerous serious injuries to remain part of such a successful side.

Kimpembe has joined Qatar Sports Club and could make his debut against Al-Rayyan next weekend. He joins a league that includes some of his former team-mates, including Marco Verratti, Pablo Sarabia and Julian Draxler.