MARCO VERRATTI JOINS PSG

Italian U21 international attacking midfielder Marco Verratti has joined Paris Saint-Germain from Serie A outfit Pescara

The playmaker was born on 5 November 1992 in Pescara, and made his footballing debut in his native city. Technically gifted, Verratti made his first team debut with Pescara at the age of 16! During the 2009-10 he emerged as an integral part of the side and Europe's biggest clubs lined up for the signature of the 'new Pirlo', already with 3 U21 caps to his name.

In the 2011-12 campaign, Marco Verratti played 31 Serie B matches in Italy, leading his side to the second division title and earning his first call up to the Italy U21 side. The Pescara No.10 took his U21 bow against... France on 28 February 2012. He was even called up to Prandelli's pre-Euro squad with the Italy senior side.

Following the signatures of Ezequiel Lavezzi and Thiago Silva, Marco Verratti is Paris Saint-Germain's third recruit this summer, signing a five-year contract. At just 19 years of age, the young playmaker is the third Italian in the squad, joining compatriots Salvatore Sirigu and Thiago Motta.

The midfielder is thrilled by the switch and, though does not speak French, is confident that, with Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti in charge of a squad packed with Serie A imports, he will be able to adapt.

"In life, you have to make choices and this kind of proposal may never come again, so I could not say no to PSG," he told Sky Italia. "The fact that there are Italians there makes it easier for me in terms of the language.

"Ancelotti is one of the greatest coaches in the world and I am very happy to join this squad and work with him."

He added: "I still have everything to prove, but at 19 or 20 [years of age] it is possible to play for a big club. Look at [Davide] Santon, who has gone to Newcastle and done really well there.

"In the world of football, there is not only Italy."

PSG, having tied up the signing of Thiago Silva from AC Milan on Saturday