Italian midfielder, Marco Verratti has confirmed that he rejected Los Blancos in the summer to continue playing with current side, Paris Saint-Germain.
The 23-year-old revealed that he did reject the advances of the Spanish club, but was quick to state that he was honoured by the interest stating, “I learned of Real Madrid interest and that was pleasing, because it doesn’t happen every day that Real Madrid ask after you, but when I’m happy at a side, I don’t want to change.”
Hailed as one of the finest defensive midfielders in the game, Marco Verratti has caught the eye of a host of European clubs. The Italian has been in the French capital for four years and recently signed an extension of a further 5 years in the summer.
Respecting the Shirt
The Italian moved from his boyhood club, Pescara to Paris in the summer of 2012. The Italian’s prodigious talent attracted the likes of big Italian clubs such as Inter and AC Milan. However, he rejected such overtures and signed his first contract with Pescara for €5,000 before signing for PSG.
Questioned about the reported interest, the Italian spoke of being faithful to his current club stating, “I want to win something with this shirt. It’s not that I technically turned Real Madrid down, it’s that when I am happy in a team, I don’t even want to begin negotiations with another club”.
The Italian has been committed to the club’s project and has improved under successive coaches such as Carlo Ancelotti, Laurent Blanc and current incumbent Unai Emery. The Italian has been part of the side which has won 4 league titles on the trot. However, the club is yet to taste Champion’s League glory and Verratti is keen to be a part of that glory.
The Italian has been a revelation since his move to PSG making his debut for the club at the age of 16. His impressive form even earned him an international debut as Cesare Prandelli handed gave him the chance against England in 2012. However, injury prevented him from participating at Euro 2016 this summer.
Considered an agile and creative midfield playmaker, his confidence and ability to retain the ball in tight spaces under pressure has made him a notable asset to his club side. In fact, his playing style has drawn comparisons with Andrea Pirlo, due to his passing ability, vision, and control.
The Italian was also quizzed about the other European leagues and possible winners. He said, winning the French League is difficult and picked out possible winners across Europe identifying Manchester City in the Premier League and Real Madrid in the Spanish League as probable winners.
