The whole world felt a shock last night after Argentine football legend and one of the greatest players of all time, Lionel Messi, requested a transfer from Barcelona. Since his childhood days, Messi is associated with the Catalan side. And now, he also has a huge transfer clause that no one can ever imagine to comply with.
And for that, the Barcelona legend requested for a free transfer option. However, several speculations are there that no other club could dare to activate the transfer clause. PSG previously took that step when Neymar opted for his transfer to the French side. But, Messi’s transfer clause is almost three times of Neymar.
Former Barcelona president Joan Gaspart confirms Lionel Messi cannot leave Barcelona this season
Former Barcelona president Joan Gaspart served as the club president from 2000 to 2003. While talking about the possible exit of Lionel Messi, he said, “[Messi] cannot leave. He will have to leave in 2021.” The former president then added, “I have seen the contract and it is very clear. The clause ended in June and there is no going back.”
He said, “I prefer him to leave next year for zero than to go now for less than €700 million.” The former president then talked about the contract between the Argentine legend and the club, and then also stated, “The club is in charge here, not the player. The club paid the players. And this is not a matter of money, there is a signed contract and that’s it.”
Lionel Messi Requests A Transfer From FC Barcelona
Joan Gaspart said, “I love Messi very much, but I love Barcelona more. Let the clause be paid. They did it to me one night treacherously with [Luis] Figo and I did the same with Rivaldo, because I loved Barcelona.” He added, “And here it’s the same. There is a clause of €700m and the contracts are signed to fulfill them. I understand there is pressure from others for him to leave, but if I were the president of Barcelona then I wouldn’t negotiate a euro.”
The former president said, “If Messi leaves for less than what his clause is worth it will be more humiliating than the 8-2 [defeat]. And Messi should not forget that the fans love Barcelona more than the player. And if Messi leaves next year, well, bad luck, he goes aged 34.” He then also added, “Messi is loved a lot and I hope he will enjoy one more year [at Barcelona]. I’d rather him go for free next year than this one for €699m.”