The Italy midfielder's agent says that his client is dreadfully underappreciated within his homeland and ranks alongside the France international

Marco Verratti is like a modern-day 'Mona Lisa' and is worth as much as Paul Pogba, according to the Paris Saint-Germain playmaker's agent.

Verratti has established himself as one of the most gifted midfielders in world football since joining PSG from hometown club Pescara in the summer of 2012 for €12 million.

However, the 22-year-old's representative, Donato Di Campli, says his client is dreadfully underappreciated within his homeland, revealing that he is baffled as to why Verratti is not as highly rated as Juventus and France ace Paul Pogba.

"I'm annoyed because in Italy they eulogise the performances of so many players, especially foreigners, but not those of Verratti," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"After the Mona Lisa, France also stole Marco, who is the best Italian player at the moment.

"They say that Pogba is worth €100m. Verratti is worth as much as him."

Verratti has been repeatedly linked with a move back to Serie A but Di Campli says such a development is highly unlikely.

"Marco in Italy? It's pure Utopia to think he could return," he added.

"He's happy in Paris, although the biggest clubs are interested in him."