Football
Ian Holyman, France correspondent 9y

Paris Saint-Germain urged to bring in more French international stars

The president of the French Football Federation has urged Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain to sign more French players.

Noel Le Graet told RMC he wanted to see the day when "half the team" was "made up of France internationals."

Blaise Matuidi is the only Frenchman to command a regular place in Laurent Blanc's first XI, with Yohan Cabaye in a bit-part role and youngsters such as Lucas Digne and Adrien Rabiot featuring occasionally.

Le Graet told RMC: "Paris Saint-Germain have a role to play. They would also have to have France internationals. Monaco too.

"I would prefer these clubs, who are after all in a strong economic position, to take an interest in our internationals.

"I dream of seeing half the team at the Parc [des Princes] made up of France internationals. It would be better for everyone."

#INSERT type:image caption:Blaise Matuidi is the only Frenchman regularly starting for PSG. END#

While PSG and Monaco are backed by huge resources, most Ligue 1 clubs have to manage their finances carefully because of the requirements imposed by French football's financial watchdog.

And Le Graet said the huge financial gulf between Ligue 1 and the Premier League meant France's best talents would continue to be more tempted by British clubs.

"It's not that English football is better than anywhere else, but you practically add a zero to the salary of young players when they cross the Channel," he said.

"In the years to come, there's not a lot that can be done. Our clubs need to structure themselves more. The French model has to be more solid economically."

Meanwhile, PSG talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has a year left on his current deal and has been linked with a return to AC Milan, is hoping to negotiate improved terms.

On Friday, Le Parisien reported that Ibrahimovic had asked for a contract extension earlier this month, adding that PSG had "not given an answer for the moment."

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