Long-serving PSG midfielder and Italian international Marco Verratti (30) is increasingly open to a departure from Les Parisiens, according to a report this afternoon from RMC Sport. Verratti arrived in the French capital from Serie B outfit Pescara in 2012, and has played 413 games in all competitions with PSG. No player in the French top flight’s history has won more league titles than Verratti, an 8-time Ligue 1 winner. Despite signing a new contract recently, keeping him at the club until 2026, the “Little Owl” is no longer hiding his desire to move on. As reported by Le Parisien, the club’s hierarchy has no intention to block his departure.
Several reasons may explain Verratti’s wish to leave PSG. First, the Italian was at the receiving end of verbal attacks from Collectif Ultras Paris group on May 3 during the group’s protests in front of the club headquarters. Verratti is also said to be unhappy over the club’s handling of Lionel Messi’s (35) future. Both the 2022 World Cup winner with Argentina and the club have reportedly agreed to part ways next month. Verratti allegedly wanted PSG to keep the 7-time Ballon d’Or winner at all costs.
According to RMC Sport, Verratti sees himself returning to Italy, although it remains to be seen whether a Serie A outfit would be able to match his €11m yearly wages. Real Madrid were said to be one of Verratti’s priorities, but Los Blancos are not interested as they ramp up their chase of Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham (19). No offer has yet arrived from Saudi Arabia.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval
