Marco Verratti has dealt a blow to the hopes of both Barcelona and Real Madrid after claiming that he would only consider returning to Italian football if he were to leave Paris Saint-Germain in the future.
Both Barcelona and Real Madrid are said to be keen admirers of the Italian midfielder, who left hometown club Pescara for PSG in 2012, winning four consecutive French titles since making the move.
The 23-year-old has revealed that he is "fine in Paris" and intends to stay "as long as possible", but has hinted that he could return to Italy before hanging up his boots.
"I'm fine in Paris, I am well set and I intend to stay there as long as possible. If one day I decide to leave the PSG, I do not hide that I would go back to Italy, but for now I think not," Verratti told reporters.
Verratti is currently with the Italy squad ahead of their 2018 World Cup qualifier with Israel on Monday.
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