Lionel Messi is not happy about how his Barcelona exit was discussed with the press by none other than club president Joan Laporta. Messi in particular is not impressed with the statement that he could have stayed and played for the Catalan giants for free.
Laporta had spoken extensively with the press both before and after Messi’s departure from the club. At first he had insisted the player would stay before finally admitting the club couldn’t afford him. Weeks after Messi’s move to Paris Saint-Germain, Laporta said it would have been possible for Messi to stay at his youth club if he had offered to play for free.
Messi felt the statement showed him in a bad light, which meant he wasn’t sacrificing what he could for the club. “I did everything to stay,” said the Argentine, as quoted by Marca. Then he made it clear that gambling was never mentioned for free.
“I was never asked to play for free. I was asked to cut my salary by 50 percent and I easily agreed to it. We were ready to help the club, ”he added, making it clear that he had fully cooperated with Barcelona as they negotiated a new contract over the summer.
Then he repeated that he and his family all wanted to stay in Barcelona. “Nobody asked me to play for free, but at the same time I think what the president said was inappropriate. That hurt me because I think he didn’t have to say that. “
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner said Laporta’s testimony exposed him to unnecessary criticism. “It creates speculation or makes people think things that I don’t think I deserve.”
Messi was later told that despite a 50% pay cut, the club couldn’t afford him due to the financial crisis. Then he had no choice but to find another option and secure the future of his family.
Despite his feelings about Laporta’s statements, Messi also revealed that he is open to the idea of returning to Barcelona after his retirement. He thinks he can make a contribution as a technical secretary or in a similar role.
FRANCK FIFE/-
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