Verratti extends Paris Saint-Germain contract until 2020

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)'s Italian midfielder Marco Verratti controls the ball during the friendly football match between PSG and Inter Milan at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in the Qatari capital Doha, on December 30, 2015. AFP PHOTO / KARIM JAAFAR / AFP / KARIM JAAFAR (Photo credit should read KARIM JAAFAR/AFP/Getty Images)

Marco Verratti has extended his contract with runaway Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain until 2020.

The midfielder has been one of the star performers in France's top flight since his arrival from Pescara in 2012.

The 23-year-old, whose previous contract ran until 2019, has made 26 appearances for the club this season and admits he is very settled at Parc des Princes.

"I am very happy to extend my contract with Paris Saint-Germain," Verratti told the club's official website.

"I would like to thank the club for the confidence they have placed in me since I joined the club.

"I love the city of Paris and I love Paris Saint-Germain. I will continue to give my all, along with my teammates, to bring joy and success to our supporters and make our team the best in Europe."

Paris are currently 24 points clear at the top of Ligue 1 and face Chelsea in the last-16 of the Champions League with the first leg at Parc des Princes on Tuesday.

Verratti is likely to play a key role against the Blues and PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi is delighted to tie the Italy international down to a new deal.

"Marco Verratti is one of the most talented players in Europe," said Al-Khelaifi.

"We are delighted to see that each year this player displays his desire, both to the club and the fans, that he believes in PSG's project.

"I am very proud and I especially want to express how important it is to have him at our club. Marco is an idol of the Parc des Princes public.

"This strong relationship of confidence that exists between our club and Marco Verratti is set to last for many years to come."