Marco Verratti's respect for Liverpool clear as PSG star's comments resurface

Liverpool have been linked with a possible move for PSG star Marco Verratti - and the midfielder's past comments on the Reds have resurfaced.

Jurgen Klopp's side have made two midfield signings already this summer, with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai both arriving at Anfield.

But there has been further uncertainty in that area of the pitch, with club captain Jordan Henderson having verbally agreed terms to sign for Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq, as per The Athletic.

And while the two clubs are yet to agree a fee, Henderson's situation has caused disruption to the Reds' pre-season tour. Despite travelling with the squad to Germany, the 33-year-old is playing no part in Wednesday's pre-season friendly against Karlsruher.

Meanwhile, Al Ittihad have submitted a £40 million bid to sign Reds midfielder Fabinho. Should both players leave, Liverpool will need reinforcements.

French outlet L'Equipe have named Anfield as a possible destination for Verratti, who is one of European football's top playmakers - and his past comments on the club have resurfaced.

Verratti comments on Liverpool re-emerge

Should the Italian indeed move to Liverpool, he would be playing in the Premier League for the first time in his career.

At 30 years of age, Verratti has a huge amount of experience under his belt with PSG and Italy, and his arrival would fill some of the void left by Fabinho and Henderson if they depart.

And the midfielder would potentially be interested in a move to Anfield, if his past comments are anything to go by.

Speaking in an interview ahead of a Champions League group stage tie between PSG and Liverpool in September 2018, Verratti explained (via FourFourTwo): "Before Liverpool it's good as we won all our games, but Liverpool will be different. They are a team who play very well at home.

"They have experience in the Champions League as they reached the final last season.

"It's an important test for us, not decisive but it's good to start with a complicated game."

Liverpool went on to win the game 3-2 at Anfield, with Roberto Firmino scoring a stoppage time winner.

Watching from the stands due to suspension, Verratti's respect levels for the Reds may well have gone up a notch on that night.

Topics: Liverpool, Marco Verratti, Paris Saint-Germain, Transfers

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.