Marco Verratti: “I’m still Italian, but France is part of me.” | OneFootball

Speaking to France Football Marco Verratti reflects on his time in France, since moving from Italian second division side Pescara in July 2012 at the age of 19. The essential Paris Saint-Germain midfielder has effectively come of age in France’s capital, as he talks about his attachment to France as a country.

Verratti spoke about his own cultural identity, and the life-defining moments he has passed on French soil “I’m still Italian, so I’m still called Marco. But France is part of me. It has given me a lot,” says PSG’s number six, “I grew up here, built a family – today I’m a man. I have lived this important part of my life in France.”

The Italian had never travelled with his family as a child, he had never seen Paris before, but admits that “as soon as I got here, I immediately fell in love with the city. It opened my mind”. He then explained the dynamic of hailing from a small village, and that in Paris “there are many different people, different cultures. If you are a smart guy, Paris can only help you grow.”

The 30-year old recently extended his contract at the club until 2026, and is the longest-serving player in the current PSG squad. The wise owl is not yet ready to leave his nest.