Priority was always to stay at PSG: Midfielder Verratti

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti on Monday said he always wanted to be with the Ligue 1 giants despite interest from Spanish football heavyweights Real Madrid.

The two sides will meet at Real's home ground, Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday in an European Champions League group stage tie.

Real were reportedly keen on roping in the Italian international but they later stated that such rumours were untrue.

"It is an issue that is irrelevant now. It's nice when big teams are interested in you but my priority was always to stay at PSG. I am grateful to the club and I'm happy here. I don't see why I would leave," Verratti was quoted as saying by goal.com.

Asked who his footballing idol is, the 22-year-old said: "There are many who are very good, but if I have to choose one I would say (Andres) Iniesta.

"He dazzles me the way he plays, he can do everything. He scores goals and nullifies opponents. He is magical. I love to see him in action," the 22-year-old added.