MY ACCOUNT
Lionel Messi’s Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Marco Verratti says it is easy to forget the six-time Ballon d’Or winner is a “perfectly normal person”.
Messi’s arrival at PSG garnered huge fanfare and interest and Verratti admitted players treated the Argentinean as the “king of the locker room” upon his arrival.
However, the Italy international said now he had got to know Messi he had realised that he is a “simple guy”.
“We forget at times that Messi is a perfectly normal person like everyone else,” Verratti told Sky Sport Italia.
“It was a difficult start for him, he is settling in more and more, we welcomed him like a king to the locker room and it’s a privilege to play alongside him.
“He’s spectacular and enjoys himself in training too. He’s a really simple guy without airs and I like people like him, because I am the same. We get along both on and off the field.”
Messi scored a Barcelona club-record 672 goals across 778 appearances, and has netted four goals in nine games in all competitions for PSG since his August move.
Sergio Ramos was another big off-season addition for PSG, signing as a free agent from Real Madrid and he is homing in on his long-awaited debut after a calf injury.
PSG head coach Mauricio Pochettino has admitted that Ramos is in contention to debut against Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday and Verratti was excited about his potential impact.
“Sergio Ramos is a player who needs no introduction,” Verratti added. “He has done great things with Real Madrid for many years.
“When we played against him, it was difficult to counter him because he is a player with a great personality, who understands the game well, what he has to do. He is a dangerous player in attack, he is a player who defends well, he is a complete player.
“He has shown that throughout his career. We are happy that he can return to the group. It was already a pleasure to train with him during the week. I think that when he’s at his best, he can help us a lot. “
