Verratti began his career at hometown club Pescara, nurtured by legendary coach Zdenek Zeman. He then moved to Ligue 1 giants PSG without ever playing in Serie A. Now in Qatar, he finds himself at Al-Duhail after two seasons with Al Arabi.
In what follows, Verratti touches on periods of his entire footballing journey, from the sun-drenched Adriatic coast of Abruzzo to the bright lights of the iconic French capital, and finally to the riches of the Arabian Peninsula.
After leaving PSG, you are now in your third season in Qatar. How would you describe the league?
"Here, the style of football is definitely different, but in the end, football is always football. On the pitch, you have fun; for me, all I need is a ball and some teammates, and I enjoy myself. I’m really comfortable here.
"The differences are perhaps more cultural; the football here is calmer, while in Europe it’s life or death: if you lose on Sunday, by midweek you’re in trouble. Here, it’s more relaxed. Off the field, I’m discovering a new culture, a different lifestyle, but I feel really good."
You are probably the biggest Italian player who has never played in the Serie A. What do you think of that record? Do you think it will ever change?
"In football, you never know. For now, I have a contract here, I’m happy here, and my family is happy here. I’m still quite young for football, I still have a few years ahead, I’ve never had injuries, thank God, so I feel good, and we’ll see in the future if there’s an opportunity."
You last played for the national team in 2023. Are you thinking of a return?
"I don’t know. That was partly my decision when I came to Qatar. My kids stayed living in Paris, so the national team period is the only time I can see them. As I said before, football is my biggest passion, but my kids come first. For now, I think it will stay like that."
You broke into adult football in your hometown of Pescara, under legendary coach Zdenek Zeman. What are your memories of him?
"For me, he was the best coach I ever had. I think for a young player, going through Zeman’s training is a blessing. He’s extremely knowledgeable and makes you understand everything needed in football: running, tactics, and technique.
"He gave me so much, and I think if I’ve been able to achieve a lot in football, much of it is thanks to him."
Are you still in contact with him?
"Sometimes, yes. On birthdays or at Christmas, I try to send him a message. In football, sometimes you drift apart and it’s hard to stay in touch, but he’s a coach I care about deeply, and I have so many memories with him."
You are now the majority owner of Pescara. What made you decide to acquire a stake in your boyhood club?
"For me, it was a way of giving back to the club that gave me everything. It’s a small club that also made sacrifices for me, always supported me, and helped me grow perfectly. They provide everything you need to become a great player in Pescara.
"It was a gesture to thank them for all they’ve done for me, and I want to continue helping Pescara grow, giving everything to local kids, even beyond the region, and in terms of facilities, so they can keep improving and play football."
You won Euro 2020 with Italy during the COVID period. What are your memories of that tournament?
"For me, it was perhaps the greatest satisfaction and emotion I’ve ever experienced in football. Winning for the national team is something unique, because the Euros happen in summer and you know your whole family, your kids, your friends are all together in the town square watching you.
"It’s a unified support, no Inter, Milan, Juve: just the national team. It was an incredible feeling. And winning it at Wembley against England was fantastic, a beautiful memory I will carry with me forever."
You became a legend at PSG, with the third most appearances in their history. What are your biggest memories at the club?
"I spent 11 years there, from 19 to 31, which I think are the best years of a person’s life: adolescence, growing up, becoming a man. I met people who taught me that life should be lived well, with respect and education. Beyond the trophies, it was my life, where I grew up and became a man. My kids were born there and still live there.
"PSG gave me everything; for me, it’s a collection of beautiful memories, only good memories, even if we didn’t win the Champions League. There were difficult moments, but for me, it’s an amazing memory."
Do you still watch PSG matches?
"Every time, yes. My kids are huge PSG fans, I still have many friends there, and I always watch. I want them to win. I know Nasser (Al-Khelaifi); we spend a lot of time together here in Doha, so I follow them closely.
"With my kids, I have to! I didn’t ask the club for anything; I got the subscriptions myself for my kids, so I continue to follow them with great pleasure."
What was it like sharing the locker room with Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe?
"Each of them has a different personality. I’ve always gotten along with everyone because I have a good, calm character, and I had a great relationship with all of them. But each one is different...
"Messi is incredibly simple; you don’t feel like you’re playing with the best in the world, because he’s also the best in history for me, yet he’s humble, always the first to train, enjoys drills, is a wonderful person, and I had and still have a great relationship with him.
"Neymar lives life to the fullest, always smiling, and he’s contagious. When you’re with him, you’re always laughing. He’s very generous, and we shared amazing moments.
"Kylian is always ready; he wants to be the best in the world. He doesn’t have Messi’s technique, but he reminds me a bit of Ronaldo the Brazilian, someone who can kill the game from midfield in an instant."
What did you think of PSG's Champions League triumph last year?
"I went to watch the final at the stadium with some friends from Paris, and it felt like a relief after all these years, especially for the club and the president. I was genuinely happy for them because I know what they went through.
"I felt involved even from outside, and I knew all the people working there for many years wanted to win this cup, so it was a relief for me as well. I’m very happy they managed to do it."