Marco Verratti reveals why he changed PSG position against Manchester City to ‘break the press,’ while he has no intention of leaving Paris, even after retiring from football.
The Italy international has been at Paris Saint-Germain since leaving Pescara in 2012 and has never played in Serie A, as the Delfini were still in Serie B at the time.
“Paris has given me everything! From a footballing perspective, I had the chance to play with and against great champions, in great matches, which is what I wanted above all else,” the 28-year-old said in France Bleu.
“I fell in love with this club and that is why I always try to give the maximum, to give back the faith that was put in me.
“I was a little boy who came from a little town in an Italian province and here I had it all. My children were born here! When you are a bit older than 18, they are your best years. And I, I experienced them here.
“It was incredible. I have become a man and I found love. So everything that I have experienced here will be incredible memories. Life after? I still have a bit of time. What I know, is that I will try to always live here in Paris.”
Verratti made his comeback from injury recently and played a key role in PSG’s Champions League victory against Manchester City.
Mauricio Pochettino out-witted Pep Guardiola with the Italian in a different midfield role.
“Let’s say that in midfield, I feel good everywhere. There are different positions, but the manager chooses them. He was the one who, against City, asked me to play in front of the defence.
“That’s where we needed to break the press, because they are a team that presses a lot and who provoke one-on-one situations.
“But sometimes I can play further forward, the coach knowns that he can ask me to adapt depending on the opponents.”
Marco Verratti: “When you are a bit older than 18, they are your best years. I have become a man and I found love here… What I know, is that I will stay to always live here in Paris.” https://t.co/2fwmyCL0Qi
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) October 10, 2021