Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba. (Photo : Getty Images)
Central midfielder Marco Verrati expressed his desire to stay with Paris Saint-Germain despite interest from Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid, according to ESPN FC.
It looks like missing a bulk of games won't be enough to discourage Real Madrid from fielding interest in Verrati. The 23-year old Italian suffered a groin injury that kept him on the sideline majority of the 2015-16 season.
According to a source close to the situation, Madrid is very much interested in Verrati, who has established himself as one of the upcoming footballers in the French League.
Unfortunately for the Los Blancos, Verrati wants to stay with PSG until he helps the team win a UEFA Champions League.
"I'm flattered that a club like Real Madrid is interested in me," Verratti told Spanish news agency EFE. "But I have made the decision to stay in Paris and be successful with PSG. Before I get tired or the club doesn't want me anymore, I want to win something big here."
"Until we've won the Champions League I want to stay here," he continued. "That's the goal I've set for myself. I want to win with this team because they are a bit like a family to me," Verrati said.
Verrati's decision to stay leaves Madrid empty handed in their attempt to upgrade the midfield position. They had their eyes on Paul Pogba as potential alternative but the Frenchmen is reportedly bound to Manchester United.
