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.