Marco Verratti announces PSG's extended Qatar tourism deal, solidifying a decade-long bond with a spectacular drone show illuminating Doha.
Paris Saint-Germain took advantage of its presence in Qatar to make official the extension of its partnership with Visit Qatar, the Emirate's tourism office. And it was Marco Verratti who was chosen to announce the news.
Who better than Marco Verratti to bridge PSG and Qatar? A former favorite at Parc des Princes, the Italian midfielder has been playing in Qatar since 2023. After joining Al-Arabi, the "Little Owl" signed with Al-Duhail last summer and remains inevitably very tied to PSG and Paris, where he visits regularly.
While PSG arrived in Doha on Sunday to prepare for Wednesday's Intercontinental Cup against Flamengo, the club made official on Monday the extension of its premium partnership with Visit Qatar, the Emirate's tourism office, until 2028. And it was Marco Verratti who was chosen to handle the communication of this news.
PSG Extends Visit Qatar Sponsorship Until 2028, Using Marco Verratti in Promo
In a video shared on PSG's social media, the Italian can be seen, wearing the new PSG Jordan jersey on his back, opening a suitcase and pressing a red button to launch a major drone show illuminating Doha's sky. A show concluded by the appearance of the club and Visit Qatar logos in the sky, accompanied by the message "The Story Continues" and the dates 2025-2028.
In addition to wearing the fourth Jordan jersey in the video clip above, Marco Verratti, 33, also posed with PSG's 2025/26 red third jersey.
"Today marks the continuity of a shared story," reacted Richard Heaselgrave, Chief Revenue Officer of PSG.
"Visit Qatar and Paris Saint-Germain have built a long-term relationship based on creativity and cultural connections. For over ten years, this partnership has become one of our strongest and most enduring collaborations, and its renewal is a testament to our confidence in its long-term potential. Celebrating this renewal in Doha, during the opening of the Ici C’est Paris Park, reflects the depth of our collaboration and our commitment to inspiring our supporters and travelers worldwide."
Verratti's last appearance with PSG dates from the summer of 2023, before he joined the Qatar side Al Arabi after spending 11 years with the Parisian club.
According to reports from that time, head coach Luis Enrique informed the Italian he was not part of his plans for the 2023/24 season, although the midfielder denied this version, asserting it was a mutual decision.
Verratti played 416 matches with Paris Saint-Germain.