Verratti: ‘Messi goes around pointing his finger in the referee’s face and doesn’t even get punished’

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Marco Verratti was dismissed for dissent at PSG loss to Real Madrid at the Parc des Princes and now he comments on the episode as well as gives his thoughts on Neymar’s and his own future at the club.
On red card:

“I got it wrong against Real, but it was a red card out of frustration and sometimes referees could be more tolerant. It was a bad reaction but I didn’t insult anybody, whereas Messi goes around pointing his finger in the referee’s face and doesn’t even get punished. But anyway, I need to improve.”

On Real Madrid loss and Neymar’s importance:

“PSG are not that far away from Real Madrid. We were convinced we could go through, but then certain incidents make the difference. It [being without Neymar] is like taking Messi away from Barcelona – they are players who make up 30 percent of a team. We’re lucky to have him. He cost a lot because he’s phenomenal.”

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On PSG’s future:

“I read that [agent Mino] Raiola had offered me to Barcelona – it’s a lie. I’ve spoken with my management and they know what I think, and it is all clear. I’ve decided to stay. I’m utterly intent on winning with PSG, who gave me this opportunity to grow also as a man, and I share in an ambitious project. I hope my teammates also think like this because one defeat cannot erase everything. If we are to reach great objectives then we need great players. It’s so much easier with Neymar.”

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