Verratti: I could not say no to Paris Saint-Germain

Jul 17, 2012 11:15:00 AM

The Italy Under-21 international explained that he could not refuse the French club's advances and insisted there is more to football than just playing in Italy

Marco Verratti has admitted that the offer of a transfer to Paris Saint-Germain was too good to turn down and highlighted the benefits of leaving Italy.

The playmaker, 19, starred in Pescara's promotion push to Serie A last season, earning him comparisons with Juventus maestro Andrea Pirlo and a place in Italy's provisional Euro 2012 squad.

However, despite reported interest from the Italian champions, the 19-year-old is expected to complete his move to the French capital in the coming days - an opportunity he simply could not pass up.

"In life, you have to make choices and this kind of proposal may never come again so I could not say no to PSG," Verratti told Sky Sport Italia.

"The fact there are Italians there makes it easier for me in terms of the language. [Carlo] Ancelotti is one of the greatest coaches in the world and I am very happy to join this squad and work with him."

Verratti's decision has been met with a mixed response in Italy, but he used compatriot Davide Santon's switch from Inter to Newcastle United last summer as an example that he can successfully continue his development elsewhere.

"I still have everything to prove but at 19 or 20 [years of age] it is possible to play for a big club. Look at Santon who has gone to Newcastle and done really well there," he added.

"In the world of football, there is not only Italy."

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