Marco Verratti rules out Real Madrid switch

Paris St Germain defensive midfielder Marco Verratti has told reporters that he expects to stay at the Ligue 1 champions next season. Real Madrid have been linked with a transfer for the Italian international for over 18 months.

Verratti is one of PSG's star players and new coach Unai Emery has told the Italian that he has a very important role to play at the Parc Des Princes next campaign.

However, Verratti admitted he is flattered to have been linked with a move to Real Madrid but his future remains with PSG: "The club and I discussed many times. We both have the same goal of winning here.

"It's been four years that I have been in Paris. I will now begin my fifth year. Until we have won the Champions League I want to stay here. That's the goal that I have set myself."