Juventus target Matuidi confirms he wanted to leave PSG

Blaise Matuidi would've left Paris Saint-Germain this summer if the decision was his alone to make.

With Juventus reportedly tabling a €22-million bid to bring the 29-year-old to Turin, Matuidi had an opportunity to leave the Parc des Princes for pastures anew.

He's no longer a guaranteed starter for PSG - new boss Unai Emery also has Grzegorz Krychowiak, Adrien Rabiot, Marco Verratti, and Thiago Motta available as central midfielders - but the club's hierarchy vetoed a summer exit.

"Yes, I wanted to leave, but the club decided otherwise and I had to accept it," Matuidi told Telefoot, courtesy of ESPN FC. "It is true that it has been a delicate period for me because I had a wish and that wish was not granted.

Related: Paris Saint-Germain chairman refutes Matuidi exit

"However, I am not unhappy at PSG. Far from it, in fact. I am very happy."

The Bianconeri pursued the France international as a replacement for Paul Pogba, who departed for Manchester United this summer in a world-record deal. The two started for Les Bleus during their run to the final of Euro 2016, and as tireless midfielders that play with intensity, they both offer similar characteristics.

But Juve's bid in the final days of the summer window was turned down, and an 11th-hour move for Zenit's Axel Witsel failed to come together in time before Wednesday's transfer deadline.

While the battle for playing time is something new to Matuidi - he's made no fewer than 23 Ligue 1 starts for PSG since joining the club in 2011 - there's a good understanding between the player and the manager.

Vocal PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi previously hailed Matuidi as "the pillar of our team," meaning the Parisians still consider him an invaluable member of the squad.

"There is a new coach and I know that he has great confidence in me. We have discussed this considerably," said Matuidi. "I think that count(s) for a lot as far as the club's desire was concerned."

Matuidi has a contract with the four-time defending Ligue 1 champion until June 2018.