(CNN) -- The man who helped bring David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva to Paris Saint-Germain as part of its empire building is leaving the Qatari-owned French club. A key figure in the club's revival thanks to his extensive network of contacts, Leonardo handed in his resignation as sporting director, signaling the second major departure from PSG in two weeks after coach Carlo Ancelotti -- Leonardo's friend -- left for Real Madrid. "Leonardo has informed Paris Saint-Germain of his desire to resign from his position as Sport Director at the end of the current transfer window," PSG said in a statement Wednesday. "We regret this choice but respect his decision.
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Leonardo to resign as sporting director of Paris Saint-Germain after two years with club
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Leonardo's ban for shoving a referee was this month extended to 13 months
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It's the second major departure in the off-season following Carlo Ancelotti's move to Real Madrid
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