Marco Verratti completes shock transfer after Saudi Pro League move falls through due to ‘fake agent’
MARCO VERRATTI has completed a shock move to Qatari side Al-Arabi.
The Italy international has become the latest big-name player to move to the Middle East in a £39million transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.
The 30-year-old was seemingly on course to join the Saudi revolution with a similarly-priced move to Al-Hilal.
But the deal, according to a sensational report, collapsed due to a “fake agent” claiming to represent the Italian.
Verratti has inked a three-year deal with Qatari Stars League giants Al Arabi, who announced the signing of the midfielder on social media.
They tweeted: “Al-Arabi Club management signed a contract with Italian international star Marco Verratti, coming from Paris Saint-Germain, for a period of three seasons.”
In a separate post with Verratti donning their kit, the club tweeted: “Maestro Marco Verratti in red… liner your eyes!”
Verratti departed PSG with a heavy heart following an 11-year stay at the Parc des Princes.
He said: “I’ve been very proud to play for Paris Saint-Germain for over a decade.
“To rub shoulders with so many great players and to win 30 trophies.
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“Paris, the club and its fans will always hold a very special place in my heart. I’ll forever be a Parisian.”
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi said of the Italian: “Marco will be forever linked to Paris Saint-Germain, playing such a big part in our great history.
“I will never forget his arrival in 2012 at the age of nineteen.
“He has always been there for the Club ever since, giving all his heart on the pitch and achieving so many great things with us.
“I would like to sincerely thank Marco, and his family, on behalf of everyone connected to Paris Saint-Germain, he will always be part of the Club.
“We wish him all the very best with his new adventure.”