Paris Saint Germain midfielder Marco Verratti has agreed a one year contract extension, meaning he will stay with the French giants. The Italian playmaker, being likened to legendary Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo, will remain at the club until 2019.
Signed in 2012 from Pescara, Verratti has gone on to become one of the hottest talents in football, the 21 year old has been linked with Real Madrid in recent times, but with the announcement of the new deal, it means his future is firmly in France for the foreseeable future. It's clear Verratti is happy at the club, after saying in a statement, 'When I think about my career, I only see myself at PSG. I want to continue winning trophies with this club.'
Verratti was a member of the side that won the club's first Ligue 1 title in twenty years in 2013, he was also a member of the side who retained it last season. PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has heaped praise on his player, in a statement which read: 'All of Europe wants Marco. He is one of the most talented players of his generation.' He has managed to form a successful partnership with fellow PSG midfielders Blaise Matuidi, Thiago Motta and Yohan Cabaye.
Signed for just €12 million, the playmaker has made himself quite a reputation, and is now amassing appearances for his national side. He made his international debut in a friendly against England in 2012, and was selected in Cesare Prandelli's squad for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. With 9 caps to his name he is certainly a player for the future.
Verratti is seen as the ideal long term replacement for Andrea Pirlo, with the pair playing at the heart of the Italian midfield.