'I hope to stay here' - PSG star Verratti plays down Barca links

The Italian midfielder was asked about rumours regarding a move to Spain and claimed he wanted to remain in Paris, but refused to rule out a move

Marco Verratti attempted to play down rumours that he could be sold by , but couldn't rule out a move amid links with leaders .

Verratti was reportedly close to joining Barca in the off-season after former agent Donato Di Campli described the international as a "prisoner" at PSG.

The 25-year-old eventually apologised and has since helped the club move 12 points clear atop , though rumours of a move to persist.

Asked about the speculation following PSG's 3-1 first-leg loss to Real Madrid in the last 16 on Wednesday, Verratti told Premium Sport : "Barcelona? I don't know, I am happy here in Paris.

"I believe in this project and I hope to stay here long. Maybe PSG will sell me but let's see."

Verratti was speaking after PSG conceded twice during the final seven minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu, and was not the only star for the French outfit asked about his future, with Neymar also forced to answer questions over links to Real Madrid .

Adrien Rabiot had given the French visitors a 1-0 lead in the 33rd minute before Cristiano Ronaldo equalised via the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time.

PSG controlled proceedings for much of the second half until Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane turned to his bench, introducing Gareth Bale, Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez.

Those changes proved inspirational as Ronaldo put Madrid 2-1 ahead with seven minutes remaining, while Marcelo added a third three minutes later.

"I think 1-1 was fair for the first half," Verratti said. "After the break, I think we deserved to win, but we lost 3-1.

"When you play against a big team, you have to be clinical. We still have a good chance, and we need to have confidence at home.

"We've already had teams come back against us twice in the past, so we can do it ourselves. We're disappointed, but there's still another game to come."

PSG welcome Madrid to Parc des Princes on March 6 for the return leg.