Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti has revealed that he intends to return to Italy should he ever leave the French champions.
The 23-year-old left hometown club Pescara for Paris in 2012, winning four consecutive Ligue 1 titles since his switch.
However, speaking ahead of his country's World Cup qualifier against Israel, Verratti told the media that a move back to Italy appeals.
He did, though, clarify that he is happy at PSG, despite Giampiero Ventura's claims to the contrary.
"I'm fine in Paris, I am well set and I intend to stay there as long as possible," Verratti said in a press conference.
"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 also discussed Mario Balotelli's decision to join Nice, claiming that France is the right place for the former Liverpool forward to rebuild his career.
"I've heard, but I am happy that he has come to France," he added. "Nice is definitely the right place to re-launch."
‘I didn’t get the same interview for the England job as the other boys, because my meeting clashed with an FA Cup tie. It wasn’t ideal, but what could I do?’: English manager reveals failed opportunity to manage Three Lions in 2006
‘I definitely questioned my sexuality when David Ginola joined Newcastle. He was gorgeous. He could have worn a black bin liner and looked stunning’: Former Magpies defender recounts first meeting dazzling Frenchman in 1995
