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Paris Saint-Germain in new era after Zlatan Ibrahimovic departure - Okocha

Former Paris Saint-Germain star Jay-Jay Okocha has told Surface Magazine that Thiago Silva, Blaise Matuidi and Javier Pastore will step up and lead the champions after the departure of star name Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Okocha spent four successful years with PSG, becoming a huge fans' favourite and winning the 1998 Trophee des Champions and the 2001 UEFA Intertoto Cup.

He said the departure of Ibrahimovic to Manchester United means "things will change" and those changes will "no doubt be positive for the club."

"It is only fair they reflect thoroughly on the ways they want to advance the project without him [Ibrahimovic] there," he added.

"However, Ibra was not going to be around forever. PSG existed before he arrived. He did a fantastic job, but I am not worried.

"Things are going to change and this will no doubt be positive for the club. I can see Pastore, Matuidi and Silva becoming the new leaders of this squad."

Okocha said he believed PSG could win the Champions League in the near future, adding that they had "become a fantastic team."

"They possess the talent it takes to win," he added. "They have become one of the most durable and beautiful teams in Europe. I am pleased the club has reached this level."