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Verratti on Pirlo, beating Chelsea and life at Paris

Marco Verratti discusses comparisons with Andrea Pirlo, why he is running into his best form and how triumphing at Chelsea FC has set a benchmark for Paris Saint-Germain.

Marco Verratti after scoring against Barcelona in the group stage
Marco Verratti after scoring against Barcelona in the group stage ©AFP/Getty Images

Paris Saint-Germain's UEFA Champions League ambitions are over for another season after a third successive quarter-final exit. Yet Marco Verratti, a constant in the side throughout that time, sees development and reckons the triumph over Chelsea FC in such trying circumstances in the last 16 was a significant step. The Italian playmaker discusses that, comparisons with Andrea Pirlo and why he feels at home in Paris.

UEFA.com: After the win at Chelsea you said you would remember the game when you retire. Why was that game so special for you?

Marco Verratti: It was just an unforgettable match. We travelled to London with a result [from the first leg] which wasn't in our favour, and then when we went down to ten men after 30 minutes it looked like we were out. But we looked at each other, and said 'we have nothing to lose'. It has given us a lot of confidence for the future of the Champions League.

UEFA.com: There has been talk of you being the long-term replacement for Andrea Pirlo for Italy. How does that make you feel?

Verratti challenges Chelsea's Cesc Fàbregas
Verratti challenges Chelsea's Cesc Fàbregas©Getty Images

Verratti: It would be a huge honour. Andrea has had a great career and he still is a fantastic player who can make a difference in any match. To be considered close to a champion like him is a great honour. I admire players like Iniesta, Pirlo – they are players I've always learned from. I play the way I like to play. I like playing in midfield, and I like it when we come off the pitch and we've won and I've had fun.

UEFA.com: Paris have been trying to establish themselves as a top European club for a few years now. Does reaching the quarter-finals for the third consecutive season suggest you are realising that objective?

Verratti: I think so. This is a team that was put together not long ago, so achieving the results we've had in the past three years means we have been doing well. Even before that we weren't eliminated because we lost; we were eliminated with draws, losing on away goals. But the experience, even losing, has improved us. We are now more ready than ever for big matches.

UEFA.com: You have been in Paris three years now, and have grown alongside the club and its ambitions. Do you feel like an integral part in the emergence of the new PSG?

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Verratti: I have felt great since my first day here. I have to thank Paris Saint-Germain because they have given me three splendid years, and I hope I can experience many more. When a young player feels the trust and belief of their club … it is ideal for your development. Even in hard times they have been behind me and that is something I will never forget.

UEFA.com: You seem settled and happy at Paris; how much has that influenced your development and performances on the pitch?

Verratti: Trust is the most important thing. When you are successful you have lots of people close to you, trying to help you; but it's in the hard times where you see the help and support that a club like this gives you. I am very happy here. I have team-mates I get along with off the pitch and talking with the coaching staff always helps me and makes me want to give more.

Marco Verratti (No24) feels the love after scoring for Paris
Marco Verratti (No24) feels the love after scoring for Paris©AFP/Getty Images

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