As Italy prepare to face Liechtenstein on Saturday in the World Cup qualifiers, midfielder Marco Verratti has been speaking at the training HQ in Coverciano about his future. The 24-year-old has been the subject of much transfer speculation in recent weeks and he wanted to set the record straight by explaining that; “I’m very happy at PSG and I’m involved in a really important project. I feel part of a large family in Paris and a project that will involve me for the next five years. I would love to become the captain of the club”.
 

He was then asked about the quest for the clubs Holy Grail, the Champions League to which he replied; “Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are still in front of us Juventus? No only those three”. Asked about the some of the figures that have been reported regarding his market value he stated that; “I just play football and I hear some of these stories. Am I worth 100 million? Absolutely not, no player is worth that amount and it also puts added pressure on them”.  

Looking ahead to the weekend’s game Verratti explained that; “To make things easy we must do everything to the maximum otherwise if you underestimate your opponent you can be punished”, He continued; “I feel 100% and can play on Saturday and against Germany next week. I’ve sacrificed a lot to get where I am and I like the new coach Venture a lot. The coach will decide if I play or not but I believe it’s possible for me to play alongside both De Rossi and Marchisio”.


Steve Mitchell @barafundler