For a few seconds, her face relaxed slightly.
Annoyed and upset by the performance of his team defeated for the first time this season in Lens, Marquinhos reveals a small smile at the very end of the evening, Sunday, in front of the journalists grouped in the mixed zone.
It is then no longer a question of commenting on the performance of his training, but of discussing his possible extension of contract with PSG.
The captain's answer is brief but it confirms the positive development of the negotiations in this case.
“We are well advanced.
I hope everything can happen as soon as possible, ”explains the 28-year-old Brazilian defender, linked to PSG until 2024.
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A post shared by Marcos Aoás Corrêa (@marquinhosm5)
A few details still remain to be settled, such as the duration of his new contract which should extend until 2026 or 2027, but the case is well under way and should soon know its epilogue after long discussions.
The first negotiations had been initiated by Leonardo several months ago.
They have finally experienced a boost in recent weeks under the impetus of his successor, Luis Campos, eager to lock in the executives of Christophe Galtier's team.
"I'm trying to get back in shape as soon as possible"
After extending Marco Verratti's contract until 2026, PSG are preparing to reiterate their confidence in another historic player very attached to the club.
He has never hidden being ready to defend this jersey until the end of his career, while the leaders hold him in esteem and like to praise his professionalism which he walks around on a daily basis.
Back to the Training Center for @neymarjr and @marquinhos_m5!
🔙❤️💙
Fieldwork for @marquinhos_m5 and indoors for @neymarjr.
⚽️🏋️♂️ pic.twitter.com/rUKoI4scUv
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) December 22, 2022
The desire to extend Marquinhos' lease is nonetheless a strong signal sent at a time when his career is experiencing serious shocks.
Arrived in 2013 in Paris and from the top of his 386 games played, the captain has been showing a certain excitement for several months.
The regularity that characterized the central defender has given way to uneven performances where he sometimes shows shortcomings (lack of impact, management of depth) which had burst in the eyes of all on March 9 against Real Madrid.
The World Cup, a real nightmare
This first blow to the head preceded an even more violent second with the elimination of Brazil in the quarter-finals of the World Cup against Croatia.
He left the competition with a deep scar after deflecting the Croatian strike for the equalizer and missing his shot on goal precipitating the defeat of his team.
The wound is slow to heal, but Captain Marquinhos shows his confidence in his return to the fore.
“Our life as a footballer is like that.
There are many emotions, beautiful and less beautiful, he acknowledged.
Since I was 8, I've known how it goes.
Experience gives you even more intelligence to handle moments like this.
It was a really tough World Cup.
The two or three days after the elimination were complicated.
With time, with work and family support, everything passes.
Today I feel better and better and I try to find my form as soon as possible.
It's on the pitch that we feel the best, playing and winning.
“Signing a new contract with the club of his life can also be a good remedy.