Marco Verratti joins Qatar side Al-Arabi on three-year deal after sealing PSG exit… as Italian midfielder pens emotional farewell to fans of the Ligue 1 side
- Verratti has sealed his exit from PSG as he penned a deal with Al-Arabi
- The midfielder is the latest player to ditch Europe for the Middle East
- Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘ It’s All Kicking Off ‘
Italy midfielder Marco Verratti has left Paris St Germain to join Qatari side Al-Arabi, the Ligue 1 club said on Wednesday.
Verratti has signed a three-year deal with the Qatar Stars League club, who have paid a reported £39million for the 30-year-old, according to the Italian media.
‘I was very proud to wear the colours of Paris St Germain for more than a decade, to rub shoulders with so many great players, and to win 30 trophies,’ Verratti told the club website.
‘Paris, the Club and its supporters will always have a very special place in my heart. I will be Parisian forever.’
Verratti, who has never played in Italy’s Serie A, joined PSG in 2012 from his hometown club Pescara. The Ligue 1 side paid 12 million euros ($12.87 million) for the then 19-year-old.
Marco Verratti has left Paris St Germain to join Qatari side Al-Arabi
Verratti has signed a three-year deal with the Qatar Stars League club
In 11 seasons at PSG, Verratti played in 416 matches, the second highest appearance maker in their history
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In 11 seasons at PSG, Verratti played in 416 matches, making him the club’s second highest appearance maker behind Jean-Marc Pilorget.
He helped PSG win nine league titles, a record in Ligue 1, along with six French Cups.
Verratti has not been part of new manager Luis Enrique’s plans following the recent departures of players inclusing Lionel Messi, Neymar and Mauro Icardi.
‘Marco will forever be linked to Paris Saint-Germain,’ said Paris Saint-Germain President Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
‘He has always been there for the Club, giving his whole heart on the pitch and achieving so many great things with us.’
Verratti has won 55 international caps, scoring three goals. He was in the Italy squad who won Euro 2020, starting the final in which they beat England in a penalty shootout.
Al-Arabi finished runners up to Al-Duhail in last season’s Qatar Stars League and have started this season with three draws. The Qatari transfer window remains open until Sept. 18.
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