Verratti’s huge cake for his tenth birthday in Paris

Ten years after signing for PSG, Marco Verratti was celebrated by his teammates on Monday during the preparation tour in Japan. The Italian midfielder (29) notably received a huge cake bearing his image. In an overexcited atmosphere.

He’s not the biggest, the most roomy or the most charismatic, but he’s the dean of the bunch. At the dawn of the 2022-2023 financial year, Marco Verratti is the oldest player in the PSG locker room. The midfielder joined the capital club on July 18, 2012. Exactly ten years ago. To celebrate this symbolic anniversary, the capital club honored him on Monday, during the preparation tour in Japan.

The Italian international (49 caps, 3 goals) received a huge cake bearing his image. In an overexcited atmosphere. Gathered around him, his teammates chanted his name, before congratulating him, like Kylian Mbappé or Sergio Ramos. Invited to give a speech, « Petit Hibou » dropped a few words in front of the entire Parisian delegation who came to Japan. « Thank you all. For me, it has always been a pleasure to wear this jersey », notably dropped the winner of Euro 2021 in front of Christophe Galtier, his new coach.

The most successful player in the history of French football

Recruited for 11 million euros in Pescara, the club of his hometown (then in Serie B), Verratti entered the legend of PSG during a decade marked by his vista, his composure, his challenges and his theatrical gestures. With 25 trophies in his collection (including 8 league titles), he has the finest record in the history of French football.

While waiting to perhaps be able to lift the Champions League one day, the No. 6 of the Rouge et Bleu feels fully fulfilled in the city of light, where he is under contract until 2024. And where he sees himself staying for a long time. « Paris is a fantastic city, and this country has given me a lot, he recently confided to the weekend supplement of the Gazzetta dello Sport. I feel very French while remaining Italian. One day, I will ask for the French nationality, given that my children were born here ».