Juventus would be a step back, says Verratti

The playmaker has rejected suggestions that he would want to join the Bianconeri, arguing that it would not be a wise career move for him

Marco Verratti has dismissed the idea of leaving Paris Saint-Germain for Juventus, describing the prospect of a move to Turin as a "step back".

The 21-year-old playmaker had the opportunity to join the Italian champions in 2012 while playing for Serie B side Pescara but instead opted to move to the Parc des Princes, where he has become an important part of the Ligue 1 outfit's midfield alongside Blaise Matuidi and Thiago Motta.

Verratti has previously stated that he rejected the Old Lady due to concerns over the amount of playing time he would be afforded in Turin, but he has now suggested that he has outgrown the Bianconeri.

"If I were to go to Juve now, it would be a step back," the midfielder told L'Equipe.

"I'm good here and I want to stay for a long time. When I was a kid, I liked the club [Juventus], but now I'm happy at PSG.

"The PSG project is among the best in the world. In Paris, we have the possibility of winning everything in a few years' time."

The Italy international, who has made 21 appearances and contributed six assists in Ligue 1 this season, also denied rumours that he had spoken with Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti over a possible transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu.

"There was no contact with Ancelotti last summer," Verratti declared. "We call each other every now and then, but it's only because he likes to joke a lot."

PSG currently lead Ligue 1 with 61 points from 26 games, five ahead of Monaco, who fell to a 2-0 defeat against Saint-Etienne on Saturday.