Andres Iniesta backed Marco Verratti as his heir at Barcelona, claims Blaise Matuidi

Andres Iniesta was impressed with Marco Verratti’s display against Barcelona. (Getty Images)

Andres Iniesta believes Marco Verratti is his heir at Barcelona, according to Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Blaise Matuidi.

The Italian delivered a masterclass against Barca in the Champions League last week as PSG ran out 4-0 winners at the Parc des Princes.

Verratti is high on Chelsea’s shortlist ahead of the summer transfer window, while reports in Italy claim that PSG __have put a an €80 million (£68.2m) price tag on the 24-year-old.

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But during Verratti’s impressive display against the Spanish champions last Tuesday, Matuidi has revealed the details of a conversation he had on the pitch with Iniesta about his PSG team-mate.

‘At 2-0, we saw the faces of the Barcelona players and they seemed very angry with themselves,’ Matuidi told France Bleu radio.

Verratti has been linked with Barcelona and Chelsea. (Getty Images)

Verratti delivered a masterclass against Barcelona’s midfield. (Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

‘However, I do remember one moment when I said something to Iniesta. When Marco was on the ground, I said to Iniesta: ‘that is your successor.’

‘He agreed and replied: ‘yes, that is what I think [too].’

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‘That is my opinion. Iniesta is an extraordinary player. He is ageing but he is still capable of great things. He was only just back from injury in the first leg and I know he will be in better shape for the return leg.

‘We are lucky to __have [Iniesta’s] heir in Marco. That is the message I passed on to him.’