Former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Javier Pastore has praised the French champions for their remarkable transformation this season, despite allowing superstars Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe to leave the club.

PSG are set to face Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final in Munich on Saturday, May 31, marking a significant achievement after the departure of their star-studded attacking trio who were specifically signed to win Europe's premier club competition.

"PSG replaced the best players in the world, those with a lot of name and impact—Messi, Mbappe, Neymar, Verratti, very important players on a footballing level, in the dressing room—with a much younger and more talented team," Pastore said.

The Argentine, who spent seven years at PSG between 2011 and 2018, added: "They have the best young players in the world, along with Barcelona."

Praise for Luis Enrique

Pastore also commended PSG manager Luis Enrique for his role in the team's success this season, highlighting how the Spanish coach has silenced critics through his work with the rejuvenated squad.

"Luis Enrique, with a lot of hard work, has turned the criticisms they had into praise. Hats off to him," Pastore remarked.

The comments come as PSG prepare for their second Champions League final appearance in five years, having previously reached the final in 2020 where they lost to Bayern Munich.

Despite the significant investment in bringing Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe to the Parc des Princes, the trio only managed to win domestic titles during their time together at the club, falling short in their primary mission of securing Champions League glory.

PSG's approach of building a younger squad with emerging talents rather than established superstars appears to be paying dividends as they stand one match away from claiming their first-ever Champions League trophy.