Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi said midfielder Marco Verratti is “Italy’s best player” and labelled goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma “fantastic.”
Italy international Verratti has never played in Serie A and joined PSG 10 years ago from then Serie B side Pescara.
And Al-Khelaifi was full of praise Verratti. He told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “Marco is like a son. A brilliant player, an example at the heart of the project.
“He has grown up with the club, he loves PSG. I am proud because he is ready to die on the pitch for the team. I also expect more from him, that he takes more responsibility: he has earned it. He is the best Italian player.”
Al-Khelaifi also spoke positively of Donnarumma, who joined on a free transfer last summer after leaving Milan.
The Italy No. 1 was named Best Goalkeeper at Euro 2020 prior to his arrival but has come in for criticism for his performances with the French champions – mainly due to his role in Karim Benzema’s first goal which sparked Real Madrid’s comeback against PSG in the Champions League last-16.
But Al-Khelaifi defended the 23-year-old. Put to him that it had not been an easy season for Donnarumma, the PSG chief added: “It’s true but we are talking about the best player at the Euros.
“He is a fantastic person, athlete and profession. Then, he and us know the situation.”
Al-Khelaifi also confirmed PSG would not be hiring ex-Juventus midfielder Zinedine Zidane as manager and that talks between the two parties had never taken place.
Al Khelaifi: "Donnarumma e Verratti, la verità. Superlega: il Real vuole uccidere la Champions" https://t.co/7m8Jxr9E15
— GazzaMondo (@ETGazzetta) June 22, 2022
he is a quality player he ant italy’s best player . thats chiesa.
Agreed, Serie a lover…
Al kheilaifi thinks that was a foul on Donnarumma for Benzema’s goal…….. but of course since he’s in bed with Ceferin he never got punished for his post match behavior
Verratti WAS the Italian best player , before Chiesa , Barella and Locatelli’s era.
I agree. Verratti is the jewel in Italy’s team along with Chiesa. He is a top level player, and I hope one day to see him in a Milan jersey even though that is highly unlikely at the moment.
Verratti is the best Italian player by far, the best in the world in his position, don’t believe me?? just look up the stats, he had better numbers than Modric when he won the ballon d’Or. Chiesa and Barella are good players, but not in the same league as Verratti. Verratti is one of the few players guaranteed to start in a PSG team full of superstars. Chiesa, Locatelli, and Barella are not always starting with their respective clubs.
Italy squad for euro 2024
Chiesa
Gnonto
Raspadori
Scamacca
Immobile
Berardi
Zaniolo
Pellegrini
Barella
Locatelli
Tonali
Verratti
Jorginho
Frattessi
Spinazzola
Di Marco
Bastoni
Romagnoli
Gatti
Bonnucci
Mancini
Di Lorenzo
Calabria
The best Italy player in the match versus Macedonia.
Was not his fault we didnt qualify.
Pardon me, North Macedonia.