Maldini advises Verratti to move to Barcelona

Italian football legend Paolo Maldini has advised compatriot midfielder Marco Verratti to join La Liga giants Barcelona if he wants to take his game to the next level.

It is rumoured that Barcelona have put in a bid of 100 million euros ($112.5 million) for the 24-year-old Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) player.

The Italian international is reportedly very keen to move to five-time Champions League winners Barcelona and is actively lobbying for an exit from his current club. PSG are reportedly not too keen to let go of their star player.

Despite boasting a powerful record in French football, PSG have been underwhelming in the European Champions League.

"I think Verratti is extraordinary. I think he will improve if he leaves Paris. He would be perfect for Barcelona and Barcelona would be perfect for him," Maldini was quoted as saying by calciomercato.com/en on Wednesday.

Maldini, an iconic figure of AC Milan, has also advised fans to leave the club's 18-year-old goal-keeping sensation Gianluigi Donnarumma alone and let him make his own choices.

It is rumoured that the Italian goalkeeper may receive offers from some of the top clubs in Europe like Real Madrid, Manchester United, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

Donnarumma, seen as legendary Gianluigi Buffon's heir at the national team, is yet to sign a professional contract with AC Milan.

"I'd have told him to stay and not to be worried by anything. I'd tell him to be free to chose and decide to stay at AC Milan only if he is really convinced," the former Italy captain told the Italian website.

"He has lot of pressure on his shoulders, somebody is already treating him like a traitor. He's not a traitor and I hope all this noise won't affect his performance because he's only 18 years old."

--IANS

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