Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti explains his improved disciplinary record – “I’ve shut my mouth!”
The Italian international picked up 14 bookings between Ligue 1 and the Champions League last season, but has been cautioned just twice in each so far this term.
“I’m getting older and I’m still learning,” Verratti explained to the Guardian.
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti explains his improved disciplinary record – “I’ve shut my mouth!”
The Italian international picked up 14 bookings between Ligue 1 and the Champions League last season, but has been cautioned just twice in each so far this term.
“I’m getting older and I’m still learning,” Verratti explained to the Guardian.
“The bookings I got were often unnecessary so I’ve shut my mouth and don’t get them anymore, which is good because I used to be suspended a lot.
“I’ve also learnt French so I can express myself better. Before that, I think the referees felt I attacked them.”
Verratti will face his PSG teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Euro 2016 this summer, and is looking forward to competing with the Swedish superstar.
“I’m happy to play against him. Zlatan deserves to go far in a competition. Sweden should be grateful to him, he was decisive in qualifying and let’s hope he continues like that – except for the game against Italy.
“Ibra and I get along really well, and when I was new at the club he helped me a lot.
“He’s a player that on his own is worth 50 per cent of a team. This season is probably his best ever and the whole team would love him to stay next season but only the club and Zlatan can decide about his future.”
Finally, the young playmaker gave his opinion on the English Premier League, with Claudio Ranieri’s Leicester City five points clear at the top.
“The Premier League is fascinating and I follow it closely,” Verratti admits.
“This season is strange, with no team managing to leave the rest behind. I’m fascinated by Leicester, it’s a beautiful football tale – and they’ve got an Italian manager.
“It’s a team where everybody helps, with a great spirit and sacrifice. They just never stop running. Let’s hope they will be rewarded for that. I’m a fan and I hope Ranieri wins the title.”