Marco Verratti has revealed that he had no intention of leaving Paris Saint-Germain for Real Madrid in the summer.
The central midfielder stated that the reigning Champions League winners had made contact over potentially bringing him to the Bernabeu, but despite being flattered by the interest shown in him, Verratti claimed that he spurned their advances as he was settled at the Ligue 1 champions.
He told Italian news station Rai Sport: It's not that I technically turned Real Madrid down, it's that when I am happy in a team, I don't even want to begin negotiations with another club.
I learned of Real Madrid interest and that was pleasing, because it doesn't happen every day that Real Madrid ask after you, but when I'm happy at a side, I don't want to change. I want to win something with this shirt.�
Verratti has made 170 appearances in all competitions since joining PSG from Italian outfit Pescara in the summer of 2012 for around £10m, and has won an impressive haul of 13 trophies in that time.
The 23-year-old has helped the French club to four successive Ligue 1 titles during his career in Paris and, after being asked about which teams he expected to win Europe's big five leagues, Verratti stated his hope that Unai Emery's men could lift the French top flight trophy for the fifth time in a row.
Marco Verratti confirms he refused talks with #RealMadrid & tips #FCBayern for the #UCL https://t.co/X4P4zvuBFI #PSG pic.twitter.com/S4tI6BdaH9
He continued: I hope PSG win Ligue 1, although it won't be easy and we must give more.
Manchester City for the Premier League. They're not going through the best moment, but I think they are the strongest team.
In Serie A, Juventus are in a different league. The same goes for the Bundesliga and Bayern Munich. In Spain I go for Real Madrid.�
Verratti also said he believes that German giants Bayern Munich are the most likely club to secure the Champions League title this season, despite the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester City all harbouring hopes of winning the glittering prize.
He added: Last time I spoke to Carlo Ancelotti, he told me that he's convinced he'll win the Champions League, so I'll back him and say Bayern Munich.�
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