Marco Verratti reveals his true feelings on Kylian Mbappe and the Ballon d'Or after PSG exit
Former PSG star Marco Verratti has had his say on his former teammate Kylian Mbappe following his departure from the Ligue 1 side.
Verratti was one of Europe's most in demand midfielders during his time at PSG, where he made 416 appearances over 11 years in France.
The Italian made a shock move to Qatari side Al-Arabi in 2023, where he signed a deal until 2026, but has since moved to Al-Duhai this summer.
Two years after his exit, the 32-year-old has spoken to Gazzetta Italia about the changes in Paris that led to their first Champions League victory last season.
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The Italian was quick to dismiss the narrative that PSG have succeeded due to the departures of superstars like Neymar, Lionel Messi, and Mbappe.
"It's not like that, the stars are there, he has them," he explained.
"He created a great group, they think a lot about the collective, Luis Enrique was brilliant. They will win for years and years to come.
Verratti also cleared up rumours surrounding his PSG exit, and confirmed there was no issues with Enrique.
"Oh, one thing: they wrote that I left PSG because Luis Enrique wanted me to. False: I assure you that my chat with Nasser dates back much further, in which I told him I was leaving because I wanted new challenges."
The midfielder also spoke glowingly on former teammate Mbappe, and expects the Frenchman to finally get his hands on the Ballon d'Or despite a slightly tough start to life in Madrid.
He claimed "With Mbappé: he's hungry, he's competitive, and I'm convinced that sooner or later he'll win the Ballon d'Or."
Mbappe seemed destined to pick up the coveted award once Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi stepped out the spotlight, but it has never really clicked for the 26-year-old when it counts.
What has Kylian Mbappe said about 2025 Ballon d'Or?
Speaking in a press conference following France's UEFA Nations League semi-final defeat to Spain, Mbappe snubbed Lamine Yamal when having his say on this year's Ballon d'Or.
"Would I vote for Dembele? Yes.
"I don’t think it needs much explaining. People are talking about Lamine Yamal and Dembele, but my choice is clear: I vote for Dembele."
Mbappe added: "Things can change a lot before September, when the award is handed out."
Topics: Football, PSG, Kylian Mbappe, Marco Verratti, Ballon d'Or, Luis Enrique, Neymar
Tom Jenkins