Italian Midfielder Marco Verratti Moves from PSG to Join Al-Arabi in Qatar
In a major transfer move, Italian midfielder Marco Verratti has bid farewell to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after an impressive 11-year stint at the renowned French club. Verratti, 30, has made a leap to join Al-Arabi in the Qatar Stars League. The news was confirmed by Al-Arabi, stating that Verratti has signed a lucrative three-year contract, although the financial details of the transfer remain undisclosed. However, French media has estimated the transfer fee to be around 45 million euros.
Having originated his career at Italian club Pescara, Verratti joined PSG in 2012 and proved himself as one of their standout players. His signing was a significant move for PSG’s ambitious Qatari-based owners, who took over the club in June 2011. Over the years, Verratti played alongside renowned players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani, Thiago Motta, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappé.
While Verratti showcased impressive technical skills and composure on the ball, he occasionally struggled to maintain his calm in crucial matches and had frequent clashes with referees. Injuries also hampered his performance throughout his time at PSG. Despite his abilities, Verratti lacked a prolific goal-scoring record, managing only 11 goals in 416 games, which is second only to former defender Jean-Marc Pilorget in terms of appearances for the club.
Under the guidance of their new coach, Luis Enrique, PSG has undergone a transformation this season. It was evident that Neymar and Verratti were not part of Enrique’s plans for the team’s future. Neymar, Verratti’s fellow teammate at PSG, recently joined Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.
Expressing his gratitude and feelings for PSG, Verratti noted, I’ve been very proud to play for Paris Saint-Germain for over a decade, to rub shoulders with so many great players. Paris, the club, and its fans will always hold a very special place in my heart. I’ll forever be a Parisian.
This move to Al-Arabi marks an exciting new chapter in Verratti’s career. The midfielder will continue to showcase his skills in the Qatar Stars League, bringing his wealth of experience and talent to Al-Arabi’s midfield. As Verratti begins this fresh journey, it remains to be seen how he will adapt to the new environment and make an impact in Qatar.
Marco Verratti’s departure from PSG serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of professional football, as players seek new challenges and clubs continuously reshape their lineups. As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming season, they will be keeping a close eye on how Verratti acclimatizes to his new surroundings and contributes to Al-Arabi’s pursuit of success in the Qatar Stars League.
