Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos has opened up about the formative years of his career, crediting his time in Italy and former Roma coach Zdeněk Zeman with pushing him to new heights. The Brazilian international, now a stalwart for club and country, reflected on how his stint at Roma forced a crucial evolution in his game.

"I learned so much in Italy thanks to Zeman and Roma," Marquinhos said. He highlighted the intense, attacking philosophy of the Czech coach as a key catalyst. "Zeman forced me to get out of my comfort zone," he explained, noting that the demanding tactical environment of Serie A honed his defensive awareness and adaptability under pressure.

This period of growth in one of Europe's most tactically rigorous leagues proved invaluable. The skills and resilience developed during his time in Rome have become cornerstones of his game, helping him transition into a world-class center-back and a leader for PSG. His journey underscores how challenging experiences early in a career can forge the mental and technical toughness required to compete at the very highest level of football.