Verratti says he turned down an offer from Real Madrid
“It’s not every day that Real Madrid come after you but I didn’t want to move,” he told RAI. Sweden-Italy live online: World Cup 2018 qualifier, first leg
Verratti was targeted by Real Madrid
PSG midfielder Marco Verratti has confirmed that he was targeted by Real Madrid when Carlo Ancelotti was manager at the club.
“Real Madrid? Their interest was nice for me. It’s not every day that Real Madrid ask after you,” he told RAI Sport in Italy. “But when I’m happy at one club I don’t want to start negotiating with another. I want to win things with PSG.”
Real Madrid favourites for LaLiga, says Verratti
The Italian thinks that Real Madrid are in prime position to win the league this season under Zidane and gave his predictions for Europe’s top leagues.
“Madrid will win the league in Spain; PSG will win in France; Juventus in Italy and Manchester City in the Premier League,” he said. “Guardiola’s team are going through a difficult spell but I think they’re the strongest team. The Bundesliga will be for Bayern and Ancelotti.”
Verratti confident that Bayern will win the Champions League
His prediction for the Champions League, however, came as a surprise to many as he omitted his own team from the favourites.
“Last time I spoke with Carlo Ancelotti he told me he was convinced that he would win the Champions League, so I’m going with Bayern,” he said.
A bumpy start to the season
Verratti is going through a difficult spell at PSG. Last week he confronted coach Unai Emery after being substituted during the goalless draw against Marseille and soon after he was pictured smoking in a picture uploaded by the wife of his teammate, Marquinhos.
In light of these events and the reaction to them, Verratti’s agent Donato Di Campli issued an ultimatum this week: “French journalists should be honoured and feel lucky that Marco plays for PSG. Ifhe didn’t they’d have nothing to talk about on Sundays. If they continue like this, it might be a good time for him to leave Paris…”
