What Andres Iniesta Said About Marco Verratti During PSG/Barca Game

Almost a week after Paris Saint Germain smashed Barcelona for four in the Champions League Round of 16, midfielder Blaise Matuidi has revealed some interesting revelations that happened during the game.

In an interview with France Bleu, Matuidi recalled speaking to Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta about teammate Marco Verratti whilst on the field of play.

It turns out Andres Iniesta is a huge fan of the Italian midfielder, who shone at the Parc des Princes with a performance praised by many.

Matuidi said: "A sentence I remember in the game? One can remember a phrase I said to Iniesta."

verratti

When the French international told Iniesta that he sees Verratti as his replacement, the Spaniard responded:

""When Verratti was on the ground, I told him that he was his replacement. He (Iniesta) said, "Yes, that's what I think."

"Iniesta is an extraordinary player, he arrives at a certain age, but he does very great things. He was just wounded and I know that on his return he will be in full possession of his means. And we're lucky to have his successor with Marco."

"That's what I said to him as a message."

Verratti

Verratti has been linked with a move to Juventus in recent weeks, as well as a potential move to the Premier League, but Matuidi clearly believes the Italian is Iniesta's replacement.

And so does the man himself.

Is Verratti that good? Can you see him as the ideal replacement for Iniesta at Barcelona?

Let us know.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_