Marquinhos remains PSG’s heartbeat as Luis Enrique leans on captain’s voice before Monaco tie | OneFootball

Marquinhos, 31, remains central to Paris Saint-Germain after more than 12 years at the club, with a Champions League trip to Monaco on Tuesday at 21:00. According to L'Équipe, after talk of a move last summer, he intends to stay.

Before last spring’s Munich triumph he had already told confidants he would stay, with the 2026 World Cup in sight.

In 2016, frustrated at being behind Thiago Silva and David Luiz, he wanted Barcelona, but Nasser al-Khelaifi refused as David Luiz left for Chelsea, hardening the captain’s status.

He rarely speaks publicly, yet his voice carries in the dressing room. After Ousmane Dembélé’s criticism at Rennes he backed him privately and, like the Ballon d’Or winner, has challenged what he sees as a more individualistic environment this year.

Paris gave him the choice to stay or go, with another defender coming in, but he did not flinch. In August he said places are never guaranteed and that his longevity comes from fighting every day.

Luis Enrique sees him as captain and dressing room leader, noting the team lack a natural voice when he is missing. Joao Neves called him their foremost leader who builds confidence. Few now doubt he starts in Monaco.

The debate may return in summer, with Saudi clubs still in contact, but he is in no rush to move there or to Brazil. Under contract until 2028, he has told confidants only a move to Qatar could tempt him, with no timeframe.

Source: L'Équipe