Marco Verratti committed to Paris Saint Germain despite 'flattering' Real Madrid link
ByPA Sport
Marco Verratti has distanced himself from reported interest from Real Madrid, insisting he remains committed to Paris St Germain.
The Italy midfielder, 23, missed much of last season with a groin injury but that has not prevented speculation about his future this summer.
Real were reported to have lined him up as a possible alternative to another of their targets, Juventus star Paul Pogba. But, with the France international seemingly set to join Manchester United, they face further disappointment.
"I'm flattered that a club like Real Madrid is interested in me," Verratti told Spanish news agency EFE. "But I have made the decision to stay in Paris and be successful with PSG. Before I get tired or the club doesn't want me any more, I want to win something big here."
Four straight Ligue 1 titles and five domestic cups have not sated Verratti's appetite for trophies and he is desperate to help PSG prove themselves outside of France.
"Until we've won the Champions League I want to stay here," he continued. " That's the goal I've set for myself.
"I want to win with this team because they are a bit like a family to me."
While Verratti will not be heading to Madrid, PSG coach Unai Emery hopes to persuade forward Jese to move in the opposite direction.
"He is a good player," the Spaniard said. "I know him well and the club does too. It's a possibility."
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