Paris Saint-Germain's Marco Verratti says he'll make of Euro 2016 'my revenge', and talks of his relationship with Andrea Pirlo.
The midfielder is viewed by many within Italian football as the heir of the legendary World Cup champion, and he admitted he'd be happy to take on that heritage.
Paris Saint-Germain's Marco Verratti says he'll make of Euro 2016 'my revenge', and talks of his relationship with Andrea Pirlo.
The midfielder is viewed by many within Italian football as the heir of the legendary World Cup champion, and he admitted he'd be happy to take on that heritage.
“I learn from all the great players that I deal with on a daily basis in the changing room of PSG,” he told Optimum magazine. “In Italian football, my models are [Alessandro] Del Piero and Pirlo.
“Playing alongside Pirlo in the national team was a dream come true for me. I learnt a lot by looking at him, during the matches, the training sessions and also in the reunions of the Azzurri team.
“I used to watch him on TV and I adored him. When I found myself by his side in my first call-up, the emotion was unforgettable.
“He's a genius, but he stays humble. Next to these immense players, your learning development leaps forward like crazy. As long, of course, as you listen to them and take everything they've got to give to you.
“I feel Italian 100 per cent, but there's always room for improvement. I learn a lot from my life in France.
“I've never been homesick, because with PSG, if you do a good job, people respect you.”
Verratti was then asked to discuss Italy's national team and what it meant to him.
“It's something primordial. For a footballer, playing for your country is the strongest and most fantastic thing.
“You represent your flag, your country, the whole nation is behind you. There's nothing stronger than that.
“The 2014 World Cup for me was a very strange moment, because it mixed joy and sorrow. Playing a World Cup was something incredible, I was mad with joy at taking part.
“But crashing out that way, at the group stage, wasn't exactly pleasant. It was a funny medley as an experience, but I only want to keep the positive sides and get my revenge at Euro 2016.”
Finally the 23-year-old was asked whether he'd rather win the Champions League with PSG or Euro 2016 with Italy.
“Why choose? I want both! A Champions League trophy, it's the victory of a group of teammates and that must be strong.
“In a club you spend more time with your teammates than you do with your family, so victory is something that is truly shared and that must really be something. It's a target you've spent the whole season fighting for with your friends.
“But a trophy with the national team must also be incredible, because your country is behind you and you enter the history of your nation. I am Parisian and Italian, so I want both!”