Messi open to Barca departure?

Despite being on the verge of signing a new contract, Lionel Messi has opened up the possibility of leaving Barcelona.

The Catalan giants confirmed last week that the Ballon d’Or winner had agreed a new deal with the club that will make him the world’s best-paid player – earning around €20m per season.

But after what’s been a disappointing campaign, the Argentina international has claimed that he could leave, if that’s what the Catalan giants want.

“I’ve always said I’m very happy to stay at my home,” he posted on the Chinese social network Tencent Weibo.

“This year hasn’t gone as expected and it wasn’t one of my best, but I’m convinced that next year will be different, as it will be for the team.

“It's the people at Barcelona who decide what to do with my future, but my choice is to stay, as I still feel the same affection from them, but if that isn’t the case I’ll look for a solution.

“Things didn’t turn out as we had expected. It was a tough year personally and collectively. Despite this, we had the chance to achieve an objective in the last game and we were unable to take advantage of it.

“I can only say sorry to all the Barcelona fans and promise them that next year we’ll meet the demands of this club again.”

Tags Messi
La Liga - Club News