Verratti rules out Roma switch

Dec 24, 2012 9:40:00 AM

The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder claims that he will remain at the club for the foreseeable future, and praised some of his team-mates

Marco Verratti has claimed that there is no chance of him leaving the club for Roma.

Rumours have recently linked the midfielder with a return to his native Italy, with some reports suggesting an exchange deal involving Giallorossi midfielder Daniele De Rossi was in the pipeline.

However, the former Pescara player strenuously denied the reports and insists that he is relishing the experience of playing in France.

“I have absolutely no intention of leaving Paris,” the 20-year-old told Sky Sport Italia.

“At the start I wanted to stay in Pescara, but when an offer like this came in, it just couldn’t be turned down by me or by the club. It’s a dream to have an experience like this at the age of 19.”

“There is no chance of that [the De Rossi swap deal] happening. Daniele is a great player as well as a friend and I doubt Roma will let him go. I repeat, I am happier every day in Paris. It wasn’t easy at the beginning, but the last few wins have shown we’re becoming a real team.”

Fellow summer signings Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva and Ezequiel Lavezzi are among those Verratti plays alongside, and the midfielder took the time to praise their respective talents.

“Considering how talented Ibra is, he could just walk around and win games, but instead he works harder than anyone and only shouts at us for our own good,” he said.

“He is a leader and commands the team. It really helps you grow playing alongside him.

“We often talk about Serie A at PSG, as many of the team have been there. Ibra always tells me he was so happy at Milan.

“Both he and Thiago Silva say it is the perfect club. What is my perfect club? Pescara.”

Although he ruled out an imminent return to his native country, he admitted that an eventual homecoming to Serie A is guaranteed.

“Will I return to Italy? Yes, it can certainly happen,” Verratti added. “Right now I am happy in France and take it one day at a time. I’d certainly love to come back to Italy one day.”