Football
Mark Rodden 8y

Marco Verratti happy at Paris Saint-Germain despite Real Madrid talk

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti says he is flattered by interest from Real Madrid but reiterated his desire to stay in France.

Amid talk of a third pay rise in three years, Verratti's agent claimed last week that if Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne is worth €80 million then his client could be worth €100 million. 

The Italy international, 22, has been in excellent form of late and was linked with the likes of Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus over the summer.

Verratti has addressed the Barcelona rumours before but, ahead of PSG's meeting with Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday, he has now ruled out a move to the Bernabeu as well.

"It's nice when big teams are interested in you but my priority was always to stay at PSG," he told French TV programme Canal Football Club.

"I have to thank the club -- I'm happy here. I don't see why I would leave."

PSG drew 0-0 with Real Madrid in their first encounter in Paris on Oct. 21. The pressure is now on the French champions to win or to secure a high-scoring draw in Spain to give them a good chance of topping Group A.

Verratti says it is the type of game that he loves to play in.

"These are the matches that make you understand what level you're are at," the former Pescara player said. "This match is crucial. We want to finish first in the group like Real do. It's a super match to play in.

"There's a lot of expectation. We're happy to play it with the hope of winning."

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