PT Vitinha’s Big Regret About Verratti’s PSG Departure

Paris Saint-Germain’s dynamic Portuguese midfielder Vitinha has openly shared his sentiments regarding the departure of former teammate Marco Verratti, expressing a notable regret that their time together on the pitch was cut short.

In a recent interview, Vitinha paid a heartfelt tribute to the Italian veteran, whom he considers an idol and a player of immense quality. Vitinha’s regret doesn’t stem from any personal dispute or professional rivalry, but from the simple fact that he was unable to share the pitch with such a talented midfielder for a longer period.

“It was a pleasure and a privilege to share the pitch with him,” Vitinha stated. “I consider myself young, but I was even younger, I had just arrived and playing with him was truly a privilege.”

Verratti’s move to Qatari club Al-Arabi in September 2023 ended an 11-year spell at the Parc des Princes, just one season after Vitinha arrived from FC Porto in the summer of 2022.

A “Complete” Midfielder and Magician

Vitinha’s high praise for Verratti highlighted the completeness of the Italian’s game, a characteristic he clearly admired.

“He is a 100% complete midfielder, he had everything: defence, attack, vision, technique… he was total,” Vitinha explained. The Portuguese international also noted the strong on-field understanding they had quickly developed, saying, “I really enjoyed playing with him, we complemented each other very well too. It’s a shame we didn’t play together more… He’s a magician, a great midfielder.”

This sense of regret underscores the respect and value that Vitinha, who has since cemented himself as a key figure in PSG’s midfield under Luis Enrique, had for Verratti’s footballing intelligence and technical brilliance. The Portuguese player has successfully stepped up to fill the void left by Verratti’s exit, often drawing comparisons with the Italian for his own ability to dictate tempo and control the midfield.

While Vitinha’s exceptional form and growing importance at PSG have led many to suggest he has effectively replaced the “Little Owl,” his sincere comments suggest that, for him, the greatest loss is simply the missed opportunity for a more prolonged and fruitful midfield partnership.

Marco Verratti was, and remains, a Paris Saint-Germain legend, and Vitinha’s words serve as a beautiful testament to the enduring impact of the Italian maestro on his teammates, even those who only played alongside him briefly.