Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti has revealed wants to stay at the Parc des Princes and win trophies, amid rumours Arsenal and Chelsea were considering a summer approach.
According to Soccerway, the Italian international was the subject of interest from Spanish La Liga giants Barcelona, as well as the aforementioned Premier League duo, but had shown no signs of wanting to leave.
And despite Paris Saint-Germain losing out on the French Ligue 1 title to AS Monaco, Verratti is keen to get the side back on the winning trail. PSG made it to the Champions League quarter-finals, infamously beating Barcelona 4-0 in the home leg, before a 6-1 defeat in the second leg ended their European dream for another season.
While disheartened by the manner of the exit, Veratti is still committed to the Parisians, and revealed: “It’s the club that decides (my future), but I think I’ll be there (next season). Afterwards we will talk with the club like every year. I still have four years of contract and I do not think to leave.
“I am very happy to be a part of this project and I have always said that winning with PSG is different from winning with all the other teams because I have been here for five years and I would really like to win something very important here at Paris.”
Arsenal are expecting to lose a number of midfielders this summer and are looking to bring in world-class talent through the door to boost their hopes of major honours next season. Chelsea could be losing Cesc Fabregas and are looking into replacements. Barcelona could be selling Andre Gomes while Andres Iniesta’s time at the club will be up soon, and Verratti is deemed to be one of the best of his kind.
There had been question marks over the happiness of a number of players given PSG’s failure in Europe and Ligue 1, however, coupled with the future of under pressure boss Unai Emery being speculated about. Verratti concedes his own form has been mixed this season, but he remains committed to his manager and praised Emery’s ability.
“I think I have made progress. We have a very demanding coach, who always wants a good game and attack. I think I also improved thanks to him,” the deep-lying playmaker added.
“Mentally this season was hard, but I am very happy to finish with a trophy and happy for Max that he can finish with a trophy, he already has many. I am very happy.”