Leonardo defends Pastore deal

Posted Tuesday, October 18, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

Paris St Germain general manager Leonardo has defended the multi-million euro transfer that took Argentina star Javier Pastore from Palermo to his club.

Pastore moved for a French record 42-million euros in the summer but that deal is now being investigated by the public prosecutor in Palermo.

Former Brazil international Leonardo, though, insists there is nothing to worry about.

"I'm disappointed that I have to explain something which has nothing to do with Paris St Germain," he said.

"The transfer between Pastore, Palermo and Paris was the most important one in the history of France.

"His transfer was completed in the best way possible, right down to the last detail.

"We've replied to all the prosecutor's questions and tried to allay all doubts."

The case has been brought after Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini claimed to have been the victim of extortion by Pastore's agent Marcelo Simonian, who supposedly asked for an extra payment to secure the deal.

Simonian allegedly threatened to pull the plug on the deal if Zamparini failed to stump up the cash.

"I can't say whether or not Palermo were subject to extortion, we've merely explained things we knew," added Leonardo.

"Our relationships with both Simonian and Zamparini remain excellent."

As for Pastore he believes it was just a case of Zamparini letting his tongue run wild. "I had a good relationship with Zamparini, I think he simply exaggerated when he spoke, something he's done many times in the past," said the Argentine.