Javier Pastore has expressed his happiness at making a rare start for Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

The Argentine has endured a difficult season in France which has resulted in him being linked with a move away from Parc des Princes, but the midfielder played the full 90 minutes of PSG's 2-1 defeat at Benfica.

"We knew it was going to be a tough game," Pastore told the club's website. "A lot of players who haven't been playing much were on the pitch.

"I'm very happy to have played, it's very important to keep growing in confidence. I am always trying to improve, to do what the coach wants and give my best for the team."

Pastore has been rumoured to have attracted interest from Arsenal and Liverpool in January as well as a return to Serie A.