Former Pescara midfielder Marco Veratti has stated his desire to play alongside Andrea Pirlo.
The 19 year old was dubbed the ‘new Pirlo’ while playing for Pescara and his new manager Carlo Ancelotti made the same comparison after his Champions League debut last week.
“I haven’t forgotten Pescara and as soon as I get two days off, I head straight back home,” he told La Repubblica newspaper.
“I dreamed of making my Serie A debut with my hometown club and I owe them everything. Money was the last reason why I chose PSG, as I thought about this club as a turning point.”
“It is one of the most important teams in Europe today and we can win everything. The Champions League represents a great shop window for me.”
The young midfielder has settled at the French club quickly and earned a lot of praise for his performance against Dynamo Kiev on Tuesday.
“Ancelotti tried to relax me before the game. After all, I only have to play football and that is what I have always done. It’s the thing I do best in this life.”
The opportunity to play with Pirlo during his AC Milan days presented itself a few years ago, however Veratti rejected the move.
“I didn’t feel ready to leave home, so I said no.”
“I have similar characteristics to Pirlo, but I am convinced that I could play alongside him and I confess I dream of that scenario. It would be wonderful.”
“I don’t know if Cesare Prandelli wants to use us together at some point for Italy. I don’t consider it a limitation to be seen as an alternative to Andrea, but rather believe that is an honour. I include him among the three bestmidfielders in the world.
“There are far more experienced figures in front of me in the Azzurri pecking order, so I will sit, wait for my chance and learn. Wearing the Italy shirt is a privilege.”
