Marco Verratti has hinted he could one day return to the Italy national team, despite stepping away after his move to Qatar.
The former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder says his family remains the priority, but he still feels the competitive fire that defined more than a decade at the top level.
The 32-year-old’s comments came in an exclusive interview with Flashscore, where he discussed the next stage of his career, his ownership of Pescara, and the emotional legacy of his time in Paris.
Having last played for the Azzurri in 2023, Verratti admitted that time with his children in France has made him reconsider the sacrifices required for international football.
Family First, But A Return Not Ruled Out
Speaking from Doha, Verratti said that leaving the national setup was partly about reconnecting with his loved ones after more than ten years abroad. The midfielder explained that when Italy play, it’s the only time he can see his kids, who still live in Paris. Yet, his words carried the tone of a player who hasn’t entirely closed the door.
“Football is my biggest passion, but my kids come first,” he told Flashscore. “For now, it will stay like that.”
The line may sound definitive, but those who know Verratti’s character understand the pull of the Azzurri shirt could tempt him again if the opportunity arose, especially with Italy preparing for a new era under Luciano Spalletti.
The 2020 European Championship winner remains one of Italy’s most gifted technicians, with his control, timing, and press resistance still admired worldwide. Should he return, his experience could be vital to a side seeking leadership and composure in midfield after a turbulent qualification cycle.
Legacy Beyond PSG: Pescara, Zeman, and New Horizons
Away from international football, Verratti is carving out a fresh identity as a player-owner. His majority stake in Pescara, the club where his career began under legendary coach Zdeněk Zeman, reflects a desire to give back to the community that shaped him. “It was a way of thanking them for everything,” he said, noting plans to improve youth facilities and inspire the next generation.
During the interview, Verratti also looked back on his remarkable 11-year stay at Paris Saint-Germain, where he made more than 400 appearances and played alongside Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappé.
“Messi is the best in history for me,” he said. “He’s humble, trains hard, and makes everyone better.”
His admiration for the Argentine star underlined the respect that defined PSG’s glittering era in the 2010s and early 2020s.
Despite now playing in the Qatar Stars League, Verratti remains deeply connected to both his past and his passion for the game. Whether on the pitch, in the boardroom, or supporting his children’s love for PSG, his relationship with football continues to evolve.
As Italy look to rebuild for the 2026 World Cup, few returns would capture the public imagination like that of Marco Verratti — a player who once symbolised the nation’s control, rhythm, and elegance. For now, he insists family comes first, but the Azzurri may not have seen the last of their midfield maestro.
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