Speaking in an exclusive interview with Le Parisien, PSG midfielder Marco Verratti as asked a series of questions about his private life ahead of tonight’s clash with Manchester United in the Champions’ League.
In autumn, you tested positive during an alcohol test. What happened?
We play football, but sometimes people forget that we are also human beings. We get days off, we can go out with our friends, with family. When this happened, I was at a birthday and I drank a little more than the authorised limit for a probationary licence… I have children, that made me realise things. And I will not do that again.
Recent changes in your private life, like your separation, have they affected you?
No. Life is like that, anything can happen. I started being mature when I was 19 or 20, when I had my first son. He changed me. It is the most beautiful thing that I have in my life. I have two magnificent children. This sport makes you grow up quicker than you otherwise would. Often, people speak of us as if we are aliens, but we are like you, we have normal lives.
Does commentary on your life annoy you?
What I hate is when people have unchangeable ideas of me. But honestly, I don’t really care. Everyone is free to think what they want. You can judge me on the things I do on the pitch, what I can bring to the team. But not off of it. I always hear that I am injured because of my lifestyle… When I injured my ankle (in January) that had nothing to do with it, a player takes my foot away. Things are said about me, said about others, that are truly rubbish.
When Tuchel gave you authorisation to come back to training 3 days later in January, was that touching for you?
Of course. We need to be well in our lives. I spoke to the coach and he said to me right away: “Yes and, Marco, when you come back here, you give me everything you have.” That is why I have a very genuine relationship with him. We speak about everything. He does not judge you. We speak man to man, not manager to player. Everyone gives everything for him because we know he will give everything for us.
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