Gabriel Moscardo, the 20-year-old Paris Saint-Germain midfielder/defender under contract until 2028, has just embarked on his third consecutive loan spell. After stints at Reims and Braga, the Brazilian is set to play for Espanyol Barcelona. The player, loaned without an option to buy, spoke to Mundo Deportivo following his arrival in La Liga, taking the opportunity to explain his choice and discuss his future, including his “dream” of playing for PSG.
Moscardo “I’m a player with strong technical qualities, but I also want to stand out for my willingness to help the team”
First impressions since arriving
“I met the team today and have already seen some great players; you can tell it’s a great squad and that we can compete for top spots. I’m happy and eager to get back to the training complex tomorrow, train more, and play an even bigger part.”
How would you describe yourself as a player?
“I have experience in Brazil, France, and Portugal, and now I hope to have my best experience yet in Spain. I’m a player with strong technical qualities, but I also want to stand out for my willingness to help the team—running for the full 90 minutes and always fighting. Doing whatever it takes for the team to win. The Pericos can expect me to give my all whenever I’m on the pitch.”
Moscardo “That, combined with the chance to play in LaLiga, the club’s greatness, and the fans, is what made me choose this club.”
What do you think you can bring to the team?
“With every season, I’m better prepared to play at a high level. I started very young, but after two stints in Europe, I feel the Moscardo arriving at Espanyol is the most prepared version of myself yet—ready to play a key role, get regular minutes, and help the team. I’ve adapted to European football and the intensity it demands. I believe it’s going to be a spectacular season for me. I feel ready, both technically and physically.”
Why did you choose Espanyol?
“One of the things that caught my eye was the club’s stature and its fanbase. But when a director like Monchi contacts you, it shows it’s a very attractive project, and that helps too. We held a few meetings, and he conveyed a lot of optimism and confidence. That, combined with the chance to play in LaLiga, the club’s greatness, and the fans, is what made me choose this club.”
Moscardo ““My dream is to play for PSG, but right now I am 100% focused on Espanyol.”
What are your expectations?
“As a team, the goal is to put in good performances against the big clubs and consistently pick up points. We want to maintain momentum to accumulate as many points as possible and finish as high up the table as we can. Individually, I’m ready to play more—anywhere in midfield or even at center-back. I believe I can help.”
Is your dream to return to PSG?
“My dream is to play for PSG, but right now I am 100% focused on Espanyol. I am convinced I can play the way I did at Corinthians—with joy and personality. I’ll have opportunities to prove that every week. I believe that’s how I can get back to PSG, though I’m not thinking about that much right now; I’m just focused on bringing joy to Espanyol and its fans.”
Moscardo ” In Spain, I’ll face opponents who will help me learn and grow.””
Learning process in Europe
“I’m ready to play here. In Brazil, one of the things I learned was how to have the personality to play. We were going through a tough time at Corinthians. I had to do a bit of everything at just 17 years old. In France, the game is more physical; I learned to play that tough, physical style of football. In Portugal, I had the chance to work with a Spanish coaching staff, so I understood the football played here—the Spanish League style. I’m ready. I’m going to do everything I can to earn a starting spot. In every training session, I’m going to show the coach that I want to be a starter.”
Your room for improvement
“I’ve learned a lot during my years in Europe, though I’m not a fully developed player yet. I want to learn more about the technical, cerebral side of the game. I think one area for improvement is refining my technique—becoming more polished. In Spain, I’ll face opponents who will help me learn and grow.”
Moscardo “We’ll see at the end of the season; everything will be considered.”
Staying at Espanyol after the loan ends?
“I hope to be happy here. I arrived three days ago, and my first impression is very positive. In Brazil, we always say ‘never say never.’ We don’t know what the future holds, but I hope to have a great season. We’ll see at the end of the season; everything will be considered. I’d like that, because I’d love living in Spain, and it seems Espanyol will provide everything I need to be happy.
We’ll see if there’s an option to stay, but it’s still very early. I hope to have a good season, and if the chance to stay comes up, we can talk about it; it’s too soon to say, but it would be a good thing.”
Moscardo “I speak with Luis Campos, the sporting director. He instills confidence in me”
What does PSG expect from you? Do you speak with Luis Enrique?
“I speak with Luis Campos, the sporting director. He instills confidence in me and conveys Luis Enrique’s message. They expect me to get minutes, to play a key role, and to actually play. They know that if I play more, I’ll show that I’m capable of performing for PSG.”
What is your favorite position?
“I feel most comfortable as a ‘six’—a defensive midfielder—whether playing alone or in a double pivot. That’s where I’m most at ease. But I can also play as an ‘eight.’ I’m good in the air, and if Manolo gives me more freedom, I can contribute goals and assists by making runs into the box; I really liked the freedom he gave me.”
