DBasia.news – Lionel Messi’s departure from Barcelona last summer still leaves stories. La Pulga is accused of not knowing how to repay the club that raised his name.
The accusations were not made by random people. Barcelona president, Joan Laporta became the figure who threw the accusation even though it was implied.
Laporta still seems unable to accept Messi’s departure. Moreover, maintaining the megastar is one of his campaign promises.
As is known, initially Laporta was confident enough to keep Messi. He is also willing to extend his contract.
However, LaLiga’s regulations regarding salary limits have made it impossible for Barcelona to extend Messi’s contract. The Catalan club is in the midst of a financial crisis.
“With Messi I’m not angry because I respect him. But when we saw that he couldn’t stay, there was a certain disappointment on both sides,” Laporta told RAC1.
“I know he has a great desire to stay, but there is a lot of pressure because of the offers that are coming in. Everything shows that he has an offer from PSG.”
Messi did finally accept PSG’s proposal. However, the decision was taken after negotiations for a contract extension with Barcelona reached a stalemate.
It was at this moment that Laporta quipped Messi. He had hoped that the 34-year-old player would be willing to defend Barcelona without being paid.
“I hope at the last minute Messi will say he wants to play for free. I would love that and he would convince me.”
“I understand that the League will accept it. But we cannot ask that from a player of his level.”
Forcing one of the world’s best players to play without getting paid is certainly an unreasonable decision. This could make Barcelona criticized by many parties.
But Laporta considers it possible because of the emergency. He also mentioned the services of Barcelona in Messi’s career.
“I think because I got to know him, he came up to the first team when I was there, I helped his family a lot. He knows that when our economic situation recovers, he will pay for it,” Laporta said.