New York City FC star Andrea Pirlo has spoken of his admiration for PSG midfielder Marco Verratti.

Verratti is regarded as Pirlo's heir in the Italian national team.

The former Juventus ace said: “Perhaps he is the player that most resembles me. He certainly would've been one of the stars of this Euros and he will definitely be the leader of Italy in future. He has everything required for that role.

“In Europe I don't really see players who are like me. Maybe that's fortunate, as I'd be a bit sad… Of course I would've liked to be called up and play for the Nazionale, but in my mind it was far more of an 'I'd like that' as opposed to 'it'd be the right thing to do.'"