"I’ll forever be a Parisian" - Marco Verratti sends message as he leaves PSG and joins Qatari club

Italian midfielder Marco Verratti has made the journey from Paris to Doha, leaving Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to sign for Qatar outfit Al-Arabi. According to Fabrizio Romano, the 31-year-old arrived in the Qatari capital earlier this week to complete his medical ahead of his formal introduction.

The move comes after Verratti found himself increasingly marginalized at Paris Saint-Germain following Luis Enrique's appointment as manager in the summer. The midfielder's name surfaced in connection with a move to the Saudi Pro League. Unfortunately for Saudi clubs Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli, no agreement with PSG was struck before their transfer window expired last week.

The extension of the Qatar Stars League's transfer window, however, offered Al-Arabi the timely opportunity to secure the midfielder's services. Expressing his emotions while speaking to PSG ahead of his exit, Verratti said (via the club's website):

"I’ve been very proud to play for Paris Saint-Germain for over a decade, to rub shoulders with so many great players and to win 30 trophies. Paris, the club and its fans will always hold a very special place in my heart. I’ll forever be a Parisian."

Verratti had an illustrious run with PSG since joining them from Serie B club Pescara in 2012, accumulating 416 appearances and netting 11 goals. His tenure at the club has been gilded with nine Ligue 1 titles, six French Cups, and an additional six French League Cups.

His move to Al-Arabi also comes with the prospect of reuniting with former PSG colleagues Rafinha and Abdou Diallo. Notably, the Parisians have been in a selling mood this summer. In addition to Verratti, the club have offloaded Neymar and Georginio Wijnaldum to Middle Eastern outfits.

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Blaise Matuidi praises Marco Verratti's legacy at PSG

In an emotional tribute to Marco Verratti, former France international Blaise Matuidi has expressed admiration for the Italian's impact on Paris Saint-Germain. Matuidi's comments came in a recent discussion with RMC Sport, where he discussed Verratti's transformative journey with the French giants. He asserted (via Football Italia):

“When he arrived he was very young, care-free, nobody really knew who he was. But from his first touches, we saw that he was a little gem and that he would really excite the Parc des Princes.”

Verratti's illustrious journey in Paris was concluded on a somewhat sour note. His exclusion from the first team marked an abrupt end to a career that had been full of triumphs. Despite this, Matuidi urged fans to view Verratti's tenure through a broader lens:

“Maybe that’s what some want to remember. I can assure you that Marco never arrived late for training, that he was always a great professional.”

The midfielder will hope to impress with his new club in Qatar, following what could be the end of his career in Europe.