Marco Verratti looked back at his time with Pescara and remembered when he was told to join Milan as a teenager.
The Italian midfielder started his career with the Delfini and progressed through the youth system at the club, being promoted to the first team in July 2008. After an impressive four-year spell with Pescara he joined Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth around €12m, which looks like a bargain considering his incredible work in the French capital.
Speaking to Pescara’s media outlets, Verratti first thanked the Delfini for their support and contribution to his career and life.
“I’ll never stop thanking these people. If I am where I am now, it’s thanks to you. When you go to play for the team of your heart and the one you always supported as a child, you feel emotions that you will obviously never forget.”
He remembered when he was told to join Milan as a teenager, something he turned down.
“When I was 15 I was at Pescara and they told me to pack my bags to go to Milan, but I wanted to stay here. Because I felt good here and because I didn’t want to see this sport immediately as a job even at that age.
“I was happy here and everyone loved me. No one ever worked against me. We were all one big family.”
The 29-year-old gave some advice to young players looking to break into the world of professional football.
“It’s excellent and so everyone can succeed in my path. I’m a person like any other, you’ve known me since I was a child.
“I didn’t do anything unbelievable. I just took advantage of the moments, things came and I am very happy about that.”
Finally, Verratti sent a tearful message to Pescara as he reflected on his career.
“In a footballing sense Pescara was the beginning of everything, the beginning of a great dream and it allowed me to win the European Championship and to be where I am today.
“When I was called up for the national team for the first time I was still here. I will never stop thanking Pescara for everything they have done for me.”
Verratti has spent the last nine years of his career with PSG and is contracted to the club until 2024. During his time, he’s made 387 appearances across all competitions, helping the side win eight Ligue 1 titles, six Coupe de France and six Coupe de la Ligue titles.