Another club v country Olympics row, this time between Paris Saint-Germain and Marquinhos could be the final straw that sees the defender move away from the French champions.
According to FIFA regulations, clubs are only for forced to release players for international competitions officially sanctioned by the world governing body – of which the Olympics is not. This battle this week forced Argentina boss Gerardo Martino to quit in frustration due to the lack of players from European clubs being released for the games.
The 22-year-old Marquinhos has been named in the Brazil squad looking to win Olympic gold in Rio. Olympic gold is the one trophy that Brazilian football has never won and they are desperate to wipe away the disappointment of the 2014 World Cup with a win next month.
But PSG and their new manager Unai Emery is playing hardball with Marquinhos:
“I have spoken a lot with the president and [PSG sporting director] Olivier [Letang] and we know the importance of the Olympic Games for Brazil and for Marquinhos,” Emery told RMC Sport.
“But we also know PSG is important, as is participating from the beginning of the season and to be there the whole month of August. For the club, it is better that the players are with us.”
PSG’s attempts to block Marquinhos’ participation is not going down well and his brother warned it could force the Brazil international to leave the French champions. He told L’Equipe, as translated by Get French Football News:
“Marquinhos has always been professional with the club, he has never complained. He has also often been merely a spectator in some of the big matches. PSG does not want to know but we have always been clear: Marquinhos will play at the Olympics.
“Up until now, we were mouldable. But this cannot continue otherwise we will collide. Our patience has its limits. We love the club, the fans, but we also have to be shown a minimum amount of consideration otherwise we are going to have to leave PSG.”
Marquinhos is valued at €30 million according to Transfermarkt, but with Luan revealing that Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona are interested in signing his brother, that figure could quickly climb to €50 million.
