PARIS — Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani said that his future is in the French capital after his second-half penalty helped Unai Emery’s men to a 2-0 win over semi-professional outfit Les Herbiers to win a fourth-consecutive Coupe de France.
The Uruguay international’s spot kick added to Giovani Lo Celso’s opener and he now has 11 goals from nine domestic cup finals.
Speaking after the final whistle and quizzed on recent rumours linking him with Atletico Madrid, Cavani responded affirmatively to his future being at Parc des Princes before paying tribute to departing coach Emery.
“My future is here, of course,” said the 31-year-old. “I think that it has been a good season — intense. We must enjoy moments like these. I am pleased for the supporters and to be here.
“Four consecutive Coupe de France wins represents a lot of history for PSG. We are here to win and win titles for the club.
“I would like to thank Unai. I know that he gave everything for PSG each day. He is leaving but he should be congratulated because we can be sure that he gave the maximum for the club.”
Midfielder Thiago Motta, who started at Stade de France, praised Les Herbiers for their brave effort and confirmed that he will retire after the season to take up a staff role with this as his final piece of silverware in a glittering career.
“Les Herbiers played well and we should congratulate them — they played very well,” the Italian veteran said. “It was a good spectacle for those watching.
“We are happy, it is another title and we will celebrate. It is also my last one, so I will celebrate by having a drink!”
Adrien Rabiot’s contract runs out in the summer of 2019 and his contract situation has created speculation recently that he could move this summer.
The France international gave his strongest suggestion yet that he wants to sign a new deal with his formative club.
“It was agreed with the leaders that we will speak at the end of the season,” said Rabiot. “When I see this atmosphere here, I want to stay.”
Departing Emery was happy with the win and views the campaign, on the whole, as a success — with the Champions League exit to Real Madrid a “minor” setback.
“It is a title and every single title is an objective for us,” the Spaniard said. “The team did well to win this competition — I am pleased with this season. However, the Champions League was a minor negative.
“This year, though, the team has played well and always looked to score. Because of that, I am happy. We are going to enjoy this victory — winning is the most important thing. After that, we will see [for his future].”
Goalkeeper Kevin Trapp was happy with his clean sheet, even if he did not have to work too hard for it.
“We played well against a team that played very, very well,” said the Germany international. “We were a bit unlucky early on, but we managed to get the victory.
“These matches are more complicated when you do not have a lot to do — you have to stay focused and shut things down when needed.”
Marquinhos admitted that Les Herbiers lived up to pre-match expectations as tough opponents and congratulated the third-tier minnows on their success in reaching the final and putting in a performance.
“They really pushed us and played well,” the Brazil international said. “Congratulations to Les Herbiers. It was never going to be really easy and we knew that — we scored in the first half and then had to stay focused. The win was important.”
Jonathan Johnson covers PSG and the French national team for ESPN FC. Twitter: @Jon_LeGossip.
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