Verratti: Pirlo comparisons way off

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti has expressed his pride at being compared to Juventus star Andrea Pirlo.

The 19-year-old has been in impressive form this season and has been likened to the Italian international for his style of play, with PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti the latest to make the link earlier this week.

Nevertheless, Verratti remains humble and has stressed that he still has work to do in order to reach Pirlo’s level.

“The comparisons with Pirlo do me a lot of good as he is one of the best players in the world,” the youngster told L’Equipe.

“I am still far from his level. I will have to work very hard if I am to become as good a player as him and achieve the same success.”

The playmaker also explained that his decision to leave Pescara for Paris Saint-Germain this summer was not incentivised by the French giants’ lucrative takeover.

“Believe me, money was the last thing on my mind when I made my decision. This was not an economical choice for me,” Verratti said to La Repubblica.

“Paris Saint-Germain are one of the most important clubs in Europe and can win everything. The Champions League is a perfect podium for me to show my abilities.”

Verratti has made six official appearances for PSG so far in 2012-13.