Marco Verratti (30) officially left Paris Saint-Germain to join Qatar Stars League side Al-Arabi SC yesterday. The Italian midfielder spent eleven years in the French capital, clinching a country-record tally of nine Ligue 1 titles with Les Parisiens.

Verratti is the second-most-capped PSG player in history. The Euro 2020 winner played 416 games with PSG since his arrival from formative club Pescara in 2012. Verratti was told by head coach Luis Enrique and PSG Sporting advisor Luis Campos he would be surplus to requirements this season.

Verratti reportedly signed a three-year deal with Al-Arabi worth €35m per year. PSG forward Kylian Mbappé, who shared the club’s dressing room with Verratti for six years, has paid tribute to his now-former teammate on Instagram. The France skipper has lauded Verratti as “an exceptional player and person“.

“To have the privilege to be on your side all those years has been an immense pleasure. Your stay here will never be forgotten or disregarded. One of the best players I have ever seen. THANK YOU my friend, I will miss you a lot,” added the France captain.

Lionel Messi also took to Instagram to congratulate his former PSG teammate. However, the Argentine 2022 World Cup winner opted to not post a pic of their time together in their French capital. Messi posted a picture of the Finalissima involving Italy and Argentina last year. “Good luck for your next journey! You know I always wish you the best.“