Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti has revealed he is happy with his decision to snub Barcelona last summer.
Barcelona earmarked Verratti as a top summer transfer target but failed to prise the Italy international away from their Ligue 1 counterparts.
Ernesto Valverde’s side were left red faced at the end of their saga as PSG instead signed Neymar from the Spanish giants in a world record deal.
At one stage it looked like Verratti had his heart set on forcing a move through to Barcelona but the 25-year-old admits he made the right decision in the end.
“I am very happy with the choice I made and I’m all the more convinced of that now,” he told Canal+.
“I really want to stay here. I feel very good here and I want to win, which is what everyone expects.”
Verratti is widely regarded as one of the most technical gifted midfielders in Europe but his performances this season, particularly in big matches, have divided opinions.
The Italian still struggles to control his discipline and was sent off in the second leg of their Champions League exit to Real Madrid in March.
Nevertheless, only Napoli ace Jorginho (97.4) averages more passes per game than Verratti (92.7) in Europe’s top five leagues this season.
Not been overly impressed with Verratti this season. Doesn't seem to have kicked on and improved that much in recent years. Can see him joining Real Madrid in two years