It was one of the most dazzling front threes soccer has ever seen — <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a>, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe in the same Paris Saint-Germain team. Yet, despite the superstar power, records, and moments of brilliance, the Champions League crown always eluded them. Now,&nbsp;Marco Verratti, one of the club’s most loyal servants and midfield generals, has finally lifted the lid on&nbsp;why <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/psg/">PSG</a>’s Galactico project failed to conquer Europe, even with soccer’s biggest icons united under one crest.



In 2024-25,&nbsp;the Parisians finally achieved what had long seemed impossible&nbsp;— a first-ever UEFA Champions League title. Luis Enrique’s team didn’t just win; they dominated, crushing Inter 5-0 in the final to complete a historic domestic and continental treble. 



Many observers claimed this triumph came&nbsp;because&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/kylian-mbappe/">Mbappe</a> had left for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/real-madrid/">Real Madrid</a>. But Verratti — who watched from afar after moving to Qatar’s Al Duhail — insists that interpretation is&nbsp;“unfair.”



Speaking to the Spanish newspaper&nbsp;Marca, the Italian midfielder said,&nbsp;“It’s unfair to see it that way. With Kylian, we reached the semi-finals and the final, but we didn’t win it. Then there’s Real Madrid, who, with fantastic players, won it many times. Anyway, I don’t think PSG won it because Kylian left. Mbappe has helped the club grow a lot. The year he left, he scored nearly 50 goals, for example.”



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Under Enrique, PSG abandoned its obsession with assembling superstar names and instead&nbsp;built a team around balance, youth, and cohesion. Players like Warren Zaïre-Emery and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/ousmane-dembele/">Ousmane Dembele</a> flourished, with the latter eventually lifting the 2025 Ballon d’Or after a 33-goal season.



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<h2>Verratti’s insight: What PSG lacked with Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe</h2>



When asked directly&nbsp;why&nbsp;PSG’s once fearsome trio of&nbsp;Messi, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/neymar/">Neymar</a>, and Mbappe&nbsp;couldn’t bring home the Champions League, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/marco-verratti/">Verratti</a> offered a revealing and philosophical answer. “That’s what makes football beautiful,”&nbsp;he said.&nbsp;



“It’s not just about buying players and winning. That PSG team was a serious project, and they helped the club grow. Individually, we had many star players, but <a>we lacked something as a team</a>. And that matters a lot in today’s soccer. In big games, star players can make the difference, but not generally.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20251030_WST_600378_Messi-Neymar-and-Mbappe-1200x675_2dcb2851.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-574187" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe</figcaption></figure>



“We lacked something as a team”, that was&nbsp;the reason Verratti pointed to&nbsp;— a lack of collective unity and tactical balance. The trio’s brilliance could win matches, but not tournaments built on structure and resilience.



Between 2021 and 2023, PSG’s superstar experiment dazzled but disjointed the team’s defensive and pressing systems. The focus on individual flair often left the side exposed, unable to handle elite European opponents who thrived on discipline and collective effort.

Why Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe failed to win UEFA Champions League together: PSG legend Marco Verratti offers bold but realistic six-word explanation

Why Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe failed to win UEFA Champions League together: PSG legend Marco Verratti offers bold but realistic six-word explanation - World Soccer Talk

destacadas

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a> sent shockwaves through world soccer in 2021 when he abruptly left FC Barcelona and signed with Paris Saint-Germain — a stunning move for fans everywhere. As PSG were building its so-called “dream team” in pursuit of the elusive UEFA Champions League trophy, a former star of the club has now revealed how he and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/neymar/">Neymar</a> played a part in convincing the Argentine legend to come to Paris.



Since Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Qatar Sports Investments took over PSG in 2011, a long list of world-class players have helped elevate the French club into European elite status. Among them was <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/marco-verratti/">Marco Verratti</a>, who joined in 2012 as a 20-year-old prospect and spent more than a decade at the club before departing in 2023 as a proven star.



During his 11-year stint in Paris, Verratti was part of the high-profile team that featured Neymar, Messi, and Kylian Mbappe. In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian midfielder shared how — even before Messi’s contract situation with Barcelona became public — he and several PSG teammates tried to persuade Messi to join the club.



“I remember a fantastic evening that became almost magical. We were in Ibiza, and Neymar came up to me and said that tonight we would be having dinner with Leo Messi as well. So there we were at the table: me, Leo (Messi), (Leandro) Paredes, Ney, and (Angel) Di Maria. We talked and had a good time. And we kind of, so to speak, kept going on at him to convince him to come to Paris.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250801_WST_581962_Marco-Verratti-Lionel-Messi-PSG-1200x675_c5a46a91.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="Marco Verratti and Lionel Messi smiling." class="wp-image-548615" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/13213850/Marco-Verratti-Lionel-Messi-PSG-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/13213850/Marco-Verratti-Lionel-Messi-PSG-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/13213850/Marco-Verratti-Lionel-Messi-PSG-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/13213850/Marco-Verratti-Lionel-Messi-PSG-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/13213850/Marco-Verratti-Lionel-Messi-PSG-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/13213850/Marco-Verratti-Lionel-Messi-PSG-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/13213850/Marco-Verratti-Lionel-Messi-PSG-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/13213850/Marco-Verratti-Lionel-Messi-PSG.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Verratti then revealed what happened next — and how quickly the move came together. “Late that night, we said goodbye, and the next day we read that there were problems between him and Barcelona. Then, in the early afternoon, Neymar calls me: ‘Marco, Leo is coming to us.’ Incredible — from having him at dinner to having him as a teammate. A magical evening,” he stated.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/lionel-messi-or-lamine-yamal-barcelona-president-laporta-addresses-comparisons-with-bold-goat-statement/"></div>


<h2>A PSG without stars?</h2>



Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani, Thiago Silva, Sergio Ramos, Neymar, Messi, and Mbappe — over the last 15 years, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/paris-saint-germain/">PSG</a> have fielded some of the biggest names in world soccer. Yet none of them managed to deliver the coveted Champions League title. That changed this year, with Ousmane Dembele emerging as the team’s top star, though head coach Luis Enrique’s leadership is widely credited for the success.



When asked whether PSG are now winning without stars, Verratti pushed back against that narrative: “That’s not true — the stars are there, they have them. They’ve built a great group, they think a lot about the collective, and Luis Enrique has done a fantastic job. They’ll keep winning for many years to come.”

Former PSG star reveals how he and Neymar helped convince Lionel Messi to join the club

Former PSG star reveals how he and Neymar helped convince Lionel Messi to join the club - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/mauricio-pochettino/">Mauricio Pochettino</a>, the current head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team, has worked with some of the biggest names in football, including <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a>, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe. However, in a recent admission, Pochettino revealed that the best player he has ever coached isn’t one of these global stars, but rather a lesser-known figure who played a key role in his time at Paris Saint-Germain.



During his time at PSG, Pochettino had the privilege of managing a star-studded attacking trio. Despite the global acclaim of Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe, the Argentine manager chose Italian midfielder <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/marco-verratti/">Marco Verratti</a> as his top pick.



In an interview with Goal, Pochettino was asked to describe various players he’s coached in one word. When it came to Verratti, the Italian midfielder’s name stood out, with Pochettino calling him “the greatest player I’ve seen in my life.” For the other PSG stars, Pochettino described <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/neymar/">Neymar</a> as a “magician,” Mbappe as a “killer,” and Messi as a “genius.”



Poch was also asked about PSG captain Thiago Silva, catalogued as “leader” for him, and some stars he coached in Tottenham, like midfielder Moussa Dembele, giving him a “wow,” and England striker Harry Kane, who got described as “top scorer” by the Argentine.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250216_WST_555193_Marco-Verratti-PSG-1200x675_6b3a30a8.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-555204" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/16171326/Marco-Verratti-PSG-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/16171326/Marco-Verratti-PSG-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/16171326/Marco-Verratti-PSG-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/16171326/Marco-Verratti-PSG-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/16171326/Marco-Verratti-PSG-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/16171326/Marco-Verratti-PSG-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/16171326/Marco-Verratti-PSG-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/16171326/Marco-Verratti-PSG.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



While many might expect Pochettino to choose one of the famed attackers he worked with, his preference for Verratti may surprise some. However, the Italian midfielder’s consistency and understated impact at PSG have left a lasting impression on Pochettino.


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<h2>Pochettino’s bitter-sweet PSG tenure</h2>



Pochettino’s time at PSG was marked by high expectations, especially regarding the club’s pursuit of the Champions League. Despite managing a team brimming with talent, including the likes of Messi, Neymar, and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/kylian-mbappe/">Mbappe</a>, Pochettino fell short of delivering the coveted European title.



In his 84 games as <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/paris-saint-germain/">PSG</a> manager, Pochettino recorded 55 wins, 15 draws, and 14 losses, securing 71% of available points. Though he won three titles, including Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the Trophee des Champions, his inability to secure Champions League success ultimately led to his departure.

Not Messi, Neymar, or Mbappe: USMNT coach Pochettino names the best player he has ever seen

Not Messi, Neymar, or Mbappe: USMNT coach Pochettino names the best player he has ever seen - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a> has solidified his legacy over three decades as one of soccer’s greatest players, with each era showcasing unforgettable moments. One such instance came during the 2012-13 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals when Paris Saint-Germain’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/marco-verratti/">Marco Verratti</a> revealed a candid admission about facing Messi at Barcelona, confessing, “He’s going to ruin us.”



Carlo Ancelotti’s PSG, in their pursuit of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/champions-league/">Champions League</a> glory, faced Tito Vilanova’s Barcelona in the quarterfinals. The first leg at the Parc des Princes on April 2, 2013, ended in a 2-2 draw. However, Messi suffered a right hamstring strain, sidelining him for a week and casting doubt over his participation in the second leg. Reflecting on the situation, Verratti shared his thoughts during an interview with Italian media outlet Rai:



“When we played again Barcelona’s second leg in 2013’s Champions League, Messi was injured, and doubts surrounded his participation. Our coach in the locker room didn’t ask anything but, ‘Do you have Barcelona’s starting lineup? Will Messi play?’ The players were wondering the same. I said to my self ‘I hope he doesn’t play today.&apos;”



Contrary to expectations, Messi made a swift recovery but only made it to the substitutes’ bench. Verratti described the pivotal moment: “We entered the match, we scored, and were qualifying. Suddenly, I heard loud cheers in the stadium. It seemed a goal was scored. Everyone moved, and I saw Messi warming up. I said to myself, ‘Oh God, he’s going to ruin us‘ , Lucas Moura approached me, saying, ‘They’re cheering looks like they scored.&apos;”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250114_WST_548614_Marco-Verratti-PSG-Lionel-Messi-Barcelona-1200x675_a600f32a.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-548616" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/13222851/Marco-Verratti-PSG-Lionel-Messi-Barcelona-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/13222851/Marco-Verratti-PSG-Lionel-Messi-Barcelona-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/13222851/Marco-Verratti-PSG-Lionel-Messi-Barcelona-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/13222851/Marco-Verratti-PSG-Lionel-Messi-Barcelona-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/13222851/Marco-Verratti-PSG-Lionel-Messi-Barcelona-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/13222851/Marco-Verratti-PSG-Lionel-Messi-Barcelona-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/13222851/Marco-Verratti-PSG-Lionel-Messi-Barcelona-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/13222851/Marco-Verratti-PSG-Lionel-Messi-Barcelona.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Messi’s impact was immediate once he entered the game. “I told him, ‘The goal is coming, that’s why they’re celebrating’. He entered, provided a crucial assist, and they equalized, progressing thanks to him and they qualified , I told (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic at the end of the match, ‘Why is football easy for Messi? ‘ He said, ‘Messi is football’s greatest player. If you want confirmation, ask defenders, not forwards,&apos;” Verratti ended the story.


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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/">Barcelona</a> advanced with a 3-3 aggregate score, progressing on the now-defunct away goals rule. Although they were eventually eliminated by Bayern Munich in the semifinals, Messi once again demonstrated his ability to deliver when it mattered most.



<h2>Messi and Verratti’s bond at PSG</h2>



Despite being rivals during that iconic clash, Verratti and Messi later forged a close bond after the Argentine joined <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/paris-saint-germain/">PSG</a> in 2021. On the pitch, their technical brilliance complemented each other, but it was off the field where their relationship truly blossomed.



When Messi left PSG in 2023, Verratti, a team captain and leader, penned a heartfelt farewell on social media: “As a player, you are the best of all, but as a person, you are even better. Best of luck to you and your family in this new experience. It was great sharing these two years with you.”



Messi echoed the sentiment in his response, highlighting Verratti’s role in his adaptation to Parisian life. “Thank you so much for everything over these two years. I didn’t know you personally, and you helped me from day one. It was a pleasure sharing the field with you, and even more so, everything we experienced off of it, Marco!” he responded.

'He's going to ruin us': PSG star Verratti makes stunning admission about Lionel Messi at Barcelona

PSG star Verratti makes stunning admission about Lionel Messi at Barcelona: 'He's going to ruin us' - World Soccer Talk

PSG star Verratti makes stunning admission about Lionel Messi at Barcelona: 'He's going to ruin us'

According to reports, Marco Verratti and Julian Draxler of Paris Saint-Germain are set to join the mass migration of European players to the Middle East this summer.



For <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/luis-enrique-opens-up-on-marco-verrattis-future-with-psg-20230903-WST-453843.html">Marco Verratti</a>, this season has gotten off to a convoluted start. 



The French champions had been eager to get rid of the veteran midfielder after he was left off their UEFA Champions League Group Stage roster.



The 30-year-old was allegedly informed earlier this summer that he is no longer needed by Luis Enrique’s squad despite having a contract with the club until the summer of 2026. 



After starting his career at Pescara, Verratti moved to the French capital in 2012 and has remained there ever since.



<h5>Verratti agrees deal with Al-Arabi</h5>



And it seems that Verratti’s tenure at <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/psg-tv-schedule/">PSG</a> is winding down. He is expected to join the migration of star players from Europe to the Middle East this summer. Scores of players have already left the continent’s top divisions for the substantial money on offer in the region.



The Italian ace is reportedly close to completing a deal with Al-Arabi after the midfielder verbally agreed to terms with the Qatari team, as reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The midfielder is expected to depart for Doha within the next 24 hours.



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Marco Verratti to Al Arabi, here we go! Verbal agreement finally sealed with the Italian midfielder who’s set to sign on a permanent deal with Qatari club 🇶🇦🇮🇹 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlArabi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AlArabi</a> Understand Verratti will travel to Doha in the next 24 hours. PSG agreed on €45m fee 10 days ago, it’s done. <a href="https://t.co/sUyKjqdhG0">pic.twitter.com/sUyKjqdhG0</a>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1700799342511116348?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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In addition, a permanent move will follow, with the Red-and-Blues receiving a price of about $48 million. Thus, the French club will recoup a good chunk of the $13 million they invested in the midfielder more than a decade ago.



<h5>Draxler expected to follow suit</h5>



Draxler seems destined to be heading in the same direction, to the Middle East, as per the French daily <a href="https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Transferts-marco-verratti-et-julian-draxler-vont-quitter-le-psg-pour-signer-au-qatar/1418837" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">L’Equipe</a>. 



The German midfielder, who had been on loan at Benfica, wasn’t included in PSG’s plans upon his return. Draxler is expected to join Al-Ahli, with whom a full deal was just struck, after apparently turning down a transfer to Crystal Palace.



However, because of his family’s reservations, the German international has requested further time to think about the transfer. Since the transfer window in Qatar is closing on September 18, he just has a little over a week to make a final decision.



Photo credit: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire

PSG to earn great profit after shipping two 'undesirables' to Qatar

Two of PSG's 'undesirables' are expected to bring in a profit for them, allowing them to recuperate more than they spent for them.

PSG to earn great profit after shipping two 'undesirables' to Qatar - World Soccer Talk

Paris Saint-Germain have been attempting to offload Marco Verratti as part of their ongoing purge of unwanted players.



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/real-not-giving-up-on-signing-mbappe-this-summer-says-report-20230830-WST-452928.html">Kylian Mbappe</a>, a long-time Real Madrid target, stayed with the Parisian powerhouses during the offseason. They also spent a lot of money to bring in many reinforcements, such as <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/psg-confirms-the-signing-of-kolo-muani-from-frankfurt-20230902-WST-453624.html">Randal Kolo Muani</a>, Manuel Ugarte, and Ousmane Dembele.



Players like <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/podcast/messi-vs-womens-world-cup-world-soccer-talk-podcast-20230804-WST-447934.html">Lionel Messi</a>, Sergio Ramos, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/unwanted-at-psg-neymar-to-receive-a-kings-ransom-at-al-hilal-20230816-WST-450435.html">Neymar</a>, Leandro Paredes, and Abdou Diallo have found other teams as PSG have begun to streamline their roster in the transfer market. The team, however, still wants to get rid of a couple more players even though the European transfer window has closed.



<h5>Verratti next in line to leave French capital</h5>



To revert to a strategy used in the early years of the Qatari acquisition, the French champions have phased out many key players during the last several seasons.



Marco Verratti is another star player who is expected to leave <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/psg-tv-schedule/">PSG</a> soon. French daily <a href="https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Transferts-julian-draxler-psg-a-une-offre-du-qatar/1417007" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">L’Équipe</a> have recently claimed that the Italian midfielder is dissatisfied with the club’s management and wants to leave the club.



Verratti spent the last 11 years in the French capital, and thus, this development has two surprising aspects. To begin with, the 30-year-old has a lengthy history with the team. In addition, his contract had been renewed only a few months before.



<h5>What did Luis Enrique say of situation?</h5>



This weekend, PSG boss Luis Enrique provided an update on Marco Verratti’s status. The Italian midfielder’s uncertain contract status has kept him off the pitch for the Ligue 1 winners so far this season.



After the conclusion of Deadline Day, Enrique reportedly had a press conference, as reported by Fabrizio Romano. “I don’t make the private conversations public. The advice that I was able to give him remains private, nothing more to say about that”, he is quoted as saying.



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Luis Enrique on Marco Verratti situation: “I don’t make the private conversations public. The advice that I was able to give him remains private, nothing more to say about that” 🔴🔵⚠️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSG</a> 🇶🇦 Verratti remains completely out of PSG project and close to joining Qatari’s Al Arabi. <a href="https://t.co/gsVoDYD0Fb">pic.twitter.com/gsVoDYD0Fb</a>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1697939364737581378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Verratti turned down an offer from his agency to go back to Italy. His future most likely lies with Al-Arabi in Qatar, where he is expected to sign this summer. 



Although the European transfer window has closed, the Deadline for Saudi and Qatari teams has not yet passed. The European transfer deadline was September 1.



Photo credit: IMAGO / IPA Sport

Luis Enrique opens up on Marco Verratti's future with PSG

Marco Verratti is one player that Paris Saint-Germain have been trying to get rid of as part of their continuous purge of undesired players.

Luis Enrique opens up on Marco Verratti's future with PSG - World Soccer Talk

The Kylian Mbappe drama with Paris Saint-Germain has been closely monitored in recent weeks. In fact, it is expected to remain a subject of interest throughout the remainder of the summer transfer window.



The Frenchman has indicated that he will leave <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/psg-tv-schedule/">PSG</a> as a free agent next summer. However, it seems like his club will do all it takes to prevent this from happening. The 24-year-old was recently given an ultimatum to either sign a new deal or be sold immediately.



As events have unfolded, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> have been patiently observing and waiting to make their move. Priority is being given to acquiring <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/mbappe-mulls-stunning-psg-stay-amidst-puzzling-circumstance-20230713-WST-442970.html">Mbappe</a> in the summer of 2024. 



That would cost them nothing in temrs of a fee, but a deal this summer is possible.



<h2>Marco Verratti’s former agent condemns PSG in rant over Mbappe drama</h2>



The French champions rarely experience calm days, especially considering the constant buzz surrounding their star player. However, while club officials are busy with the Mbappe situation, another topic has gained media attention.



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">PSG&apos;s former sporting director didn&apos;t hold back on Kylian Mbappe 😳 <a href="https://t.co/UifEjx0ire">pic.twitter.com/UifEjx0ire</a>— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1678362178359894017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Donato Di Campli, who was once Marco Verratti’s agent, has unleashed a withering attack on the French club and its management. 



He made a bombshell accusation, saying that players like his former client are afraid to leave the club because it is a ‘prison’ and the owners ‘blackmail’ their employees.



<h2>PSG reportedly stopped Verratti from joining Barcelona</h2>



“PSG are imprisoning and blackmailing their players. You never get to do what you want there. The PSG attitude is always blackmail. We had decided to go to Barcelona, which obviously the emir did not like.



“Al Khelaifi even told me that if I kept trying to work out the terms with Barcelona, Verratti was going to leave me. And that’s what ended up happening. I am sure Marco was frightened, though he won’t admit it If you go against them, everything becomes personal.



“My experience with PSG is very bad. It is a club with no soul, they believe everything can be bought, that they can conquer the world with money alone, but have already seen that is not possible”, he said in an interview with <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/psg-accused-blackmail-players-imprisoned-marco-verratti-former-agent-barcelona-transfer-blocked/blt12756984da572933" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Relevo.</a>



Photo credit: IMAGO / Sebastian Frej

As the Kylian Mbappe drama continues to unfold, a PSG's player former agent has called the French club a prison

PSG's player ex-agent slams 'prison' club amid Mbappe drama

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