Football ace who could possibly be ‘world’s greatest’ selected Qatar ‘retirement’ with scorching scorching WAG

Dubbed one of the best midfielders of his era, Italian maestro Marco Verratti opted to leave Europe back in 2023 to enjoy a Qatar ‘retirement’ with his stunning wife Jessica Aidi

There’s no doubt about it: former Italy midfielder Marco Verratti has enjoyed quite the career.

The diminutive midfield maestro was a key part of the Azzurri side who claimed Euro 2020 glory at England’s expense, starring alongside Jorginho and Nicolo Barella as the they controlled the second half and extra-time against the Three Lions at Wembley, with Italy eventually beating then manager Gareth Southgate’s side on penalties.

For years, Verratti was held up as one of Europe’s best, capable of dictating a game at ease. However, in 2023, the Italian opted to leave Paris Saint-Germain, where he had spent over a decade, in favour of ‘retirement’.

Now, Verratti didn’t retire and still hasn’t. He is currently playing in Qatar for Al-Arabi on a reported £24m-a-year contract, with Verratti having signed a three-year deal with the Qatar Stars League side.

Speaking on his move to Qatar, Verratti said: “I wanted to have a new experience. I didn’t want to go to another club in Europe where I could have played against PSG. I wanted this to be my last team. I had this offer from Doha. Certainly, the level isn’t the same, but I enjoy other elements: growing the championship and advising my teammates.

“You don’t spend 11 years in a club without being in love. I have had many offers over the years, even if I could think about them, my priority was always to remain [in Paris].”

While some would see the move he made in 2023 as a waste of his footballing talent, the 32-year-old is being supported out in the middle east by his stunning wife Jessica Aidi. The pair started dating back in 2019, eventually tying the knot in 2021.

And while Verratti is a global superstar, Aidi is a star in her own right. The 33-year-old, who hails from Montpellier, is a hugely successful model. On Instagram, she boasts a following of over half a million, with Aidi regularly uploading modelling snaps of herself.

She also enjoys posting pictures of her enjoying the sun out in the middle east, as well as some romantic snaps of her and Verratti enjoying themselves.

Her previous modelling work includes featuring during Paris Fashion Week as a catwalk model, as well as modelling swimwear for Sports Illustrated alongside other magazines.