Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Thiago Motta understands why he hasn’t been picked for Italy since the Final of Euro 2012.
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Thiago Motta understands why he hasn’t been picked for Italy since the Final of Euro 2012.
The midfielder was brought into the Azzurri set-up by Cesare Prandelli in February 2011, but he’s fallen out of favour in recent times.
“I miss the national team a lot,” the former Barcelona and Inter player told the Gazzetta dello Sport.
“But Prandelli was correct in his decision. He picked players who were playing more than I was, yet he knows how I play and what I can offer.”
The Azzurri CT has opened the door to more youthful options in recent times, such as 20-year-old PSG playmaker Marco Verratti.
“We are different but complimentary players, as demonstrated here at PSG,” the 31-year-old continued. “He’s good at bringing the ball out with his feet, while I develop play further forward.
“I’m left-footed and he is right-footed. When I see Marco play I think of Andrea Pirlo and he has great potential.
“I, though, had different duties for the national side.”
Motta, who was actually born in Brazil, has scored one goal in 13 caps for the Azzurri.