- Verratti seals deal with Al-Arabi
- Frozen out by PSG boss Luis Enrique
- Nine league titles in 11 years in Paris
WHAT HAPPENED? The 30-year-old Italy international has signed a three-year contract with Al-Arabi after the Qatari Stars League outfit agreed reported fee of €45 million (£38.7m/$48.4m) with PSG. Verratti was yet to feature this season under new manager Luis Enrique and was deemed surplus to requirements after nine league title wins in 11 seasons.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: It's been a remarkable summer in Paris, with Verratti following Lionel Messi, Neymar, Sergio Ramos, Georginio Wijnaldum and Leandro Paredes out the exit door as the Parisian outfit look to overhaul an ageing and expensive squad.
WHAT THEY SAID?: Saying his farewells via the PSG website, Verratti said: “I’ve been very proud to play for Paris Saint-Germain for over a decade, to rub shoulders with so many great players and to win 30 trophies. Paris, the club and its fans will always hold a very special place in my heart. I’ll forever be a Parisian.”
WHAT NEXT FOR MARCO VERRATTI? The diminutive midfielder joins up with former PSG team-mates Abdou Diallo and Rafinha in a bid to boost Al-Arabi's underwhelming start to the season.