Goal.com

The ambitious French outfit have secured the services of the promising Italian midfielder, who stated his belief that his new club will soon rule the game in Europe

Paris Saint-Germain have continued their summer spending spree by announcing the signing of Marco Verratti from Pescara.

The midfielder has put pen to paper on a five-year contract with the Ligue 1 outfit after the two clubs agreed a reported €12 million deal for the Italy Under-21 international.

"I have an excellent impression of the club and the players, they are great champions," Verratti told reporters at a press conference.

"There are players here that I have watched on TV and I am very proud to be representing PSG, and I want to do well with this club. I am going to give my all. It's not every day you join a club like PSG.

"I haven't spoken with [coach Carlo] Ancelotti just yet. I am glad that he has put his faith in me. I'm 19 years old and I want to progress here.

"These aren't just words. For me, it's greats to be with players like [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic, [Javier] Pastore, and [Ezequiel] Lavezzi.

"In reality, PSG were forcing me to come. As soon as PSG showed themselves, I told my agent and my club that they were my first choice. The club really wanted me, and there is more of a project here.

"Comparisons with Andrea Pirlo? They are flattering and make me happy, he is one of the best players in his position. I hope that I will be as good one day."

Meanwhile, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi stated that the Italian's transfer signals the club's intention to bet on young talent.

"We are very happy to be here and announce the signing of Verratti," he said. "He is young, he is the future of Italy and the future of PSG.

"As we said in the beginning, our strategy is also based on youngsters, not just the big players.

"We are also working on French talent, and hopefully in September we can announce more news about the academy."

As PSG prepare to re-enter the Champions League, sporting director Leonardo admitted that the club's work in the transfer market puts them on par with Europe's giants.

"We have players who play for the biggest football clubs in the world, of which Paris Saint-Germain is one," Leonardo said.

"Shopping in Italy? It is a question of the transfer market. There are players like Mario Balotelli and Davide Santon.

"It is not a matter of shopping in Italy, but a matter related to the transfer market."