PSG legend Motta given a guard of honour at the Parc des Princes

'Grazie Motta' could be read on the banner unveiled during PSG's clash with Rennes on Saturday. The Italian was clapped onto the pitch by both teammates and fans alike, as he played his last ever home game for the club.

The 35-year-old featured in the penultimate game of the season for the Ligue 1 champions, which was his 230th game with the club in total. The vice-captain was promoted to the full captaincy for the day, given that Thiago Silva was out for the game.

"He's an exceptional player," Unai Emery said of Motta on Friday. "A big personality with an story that's important in the footballing world."

The midfielder arrived in Paris in 2012, slotting straight into the starting XI, and he represents part of PSG's Qatari story. Despite recurring absences, due to injury and suspension, he took a key role in Carlo Ancelotti and Laurent Blanc's projects with the club.

Last year, Motta agreed with Nasser Al-Khelaifi that he would move into a coaching role at the end of this season. "With his experience as a player and as a person, with all the coaches he has had, I believe he has all the characteristics and quality to do well," Emery said when asked about how he thought Motta would do as a coach.

With PSG, the Italian has won five league titles, five league cups and four French cups. 

May 12, 2018