Since his departure from Paris Saint-Germain (416 games) in the summer of 2023 to join the Qatari club Al-Arabi, then more recently Al-Duhail, Marco Verratti was discreet in the media. The Italian midfielder has only granted rare interviews since his exile in the Middle East. Apart from a few public appearances during media events such as Formula 1 Grands Prix, Roland-Garros or other meetings, his word became precious, almost silent. But this time, in a long interview granted to La Gazzetta dello Sportthe former number 6 of PSG comes out of his reserve and returns in detail on the highlights of his career, from his departure from the French capital to his new life in Qatar, passing by the significant memories of his visit to the Parisian club including a crazy anecdote to Ibiza the day before Lionel Messi's arrival, but also of his big project in Pescara.
First questioned in the summer of his former team, the Italian environment wanted to quickly deny false information concerning his departure from the capital's club and his supposed bad relationship with Luis Enrique: “This is not how I see things, the stars are there, they have them. PSG has created a great group, they think a lot about the collective, Luis Enrique was brilliant. They will win for years. One thing: they wrote that I had left PSG because Luis Enrique wanted it. False: I assure you that my conversation with Nasser goes back much further, where I told him that I was leaving because I wanted new challenges. We stayed on very good terms, he is someone great». Beyond rumors, Verratti finally sheds light on the real reasons for his departure, revealing a choice that is very thoughtful and motivated by the desire to take up new challenges … Far from Europe, in the heart of Qatari football.
Qatar, a real choice
In the summer of 2023, Marco Verratti surprised a large number of observers by choosing to join the Qatari championship, while some European clubs had positioned themselves. A thoughtful and assumed decision: “Let's just say that I needed a new challenge, a new motivation. I already knew Doha and I always liked this city: when the opportunity arose, well, it was the choice of life. And I am happy. How is the championship? Competitive. Last year, I was with another team. Al-Duhail finished second after leaving a long time: the goal is to win the Doha Bank Stars League. Do you know the difference with Europe? Here, if a player is on the bench, he is not grumpy and angry: here, everyone smiles, the desire to be together and to play is essential. In Paris, winning had become obvious: here, I found something childish, the joy of winning, like when you were a child. Happiness. In Paris, winning had become monotonous, repetitive. I received requests, almost every year to return to Italy. In truth, I didn't want to go back. I am someone who always attaches to the places he visited». An assumed life choice, far from Europe and projectors, which Verratti claims today with serenity, between passion for game and seeking tranquility. In parallel with his player career, Marco Verratti also officially returned to Pescara. Not as a player as he wanted but as a manager and co-owner.
“”It's a dream, yes. You always have to set a goal: maybe I will replay a match here now that I am 50 %co-president. Listen, just for my pescara, I could have done what I really wanted: they gave me everything, and I wanted to give them the same with all my heart. The future? Become president. During my career, I saw a bit of everything. I think Sebastiani and I form a complementary duo: I know, for having rubbed shoulders with the interior in all disciplines, which a footballer needs. Sebastiani was strong and incredible: he even overcome difficult moments. And it is there: that's why I wanted to join Pescara with him, tied, and also because it is the team I love. How to manage this? I want our players to focus only on the game. Because for the rest, there is everything. Then, if they go up in Serie A, as we wish, maybe I will realize this dream … It was difficult to leave Pescara, because I had acquired this incredible feeling in my city and I had to abandon the dream of playing with my favorite jersey in Serie A. One day, before leaving, I took Sebastiani aside: “I leave, but if in six months, I will not feel bad.” Arriving in Serie A with Pescara and not playing it was difficult for children's greenratti». And while his career is taking his course in Qatar, Verratti does not forget his first love in his new role in management.
