Iniesta wants Verratti as heir – Matuidi

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta views Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti as the heir to his throne, according to Blaise Matuidi.

The Italian international was hugely influential in the French champions rout over Barcelona at the Parc des Princes last week, with his midfield partner Matuidi revealing an exchange between himself and Iniesta during a stoppage in play.

"We were concentrating so much that there was not much time to think," Matuidi told France Bleu radio said when asked about exchanges between the two sets of players.

"At 2-0, we saw the faces of the Barcelona players and they seemed very angry with themselves.

"However, I do remember one moment when I said something to Iniesta. When Marco was on the ground, I told Iniesta 'that is your successor.' He agreed and replied 'yes.'

"That is my opinion. Iniesta is an extraordinary player. He is ageing but he is still capable of great things. He was only just back from injury in the first leg and I know he will be in better shape for the return leg.

"We are lucky to have [Iniesta's] heir in Marco. That is the message I passed on to him."

Tags Andres Iniesta Blaise Matuidi Marco Verratti Paris Saint-Germain
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