Lionel Messi handed in his transfer request this summer. He wanted to terminate his Barcelona contract and leave for free with Manchester City the most likely destination as it was rumoured that he wanted to reunite with Pep Guardiola.
Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu declined the Argentine’s request and told the only way out is to pay his release clause of 700 million euros. Messi didn’t want to take Barcelona to court, so he decided to stay at Barcelona this season.
Messi’s contract with Barcelona ends in the summer of 2021, so it well may be his last season at Camp Nou as there have been no signs of Messi wanting to extend his contract.
So how exactly can Barcelona convince Messi to renew his contract at Camp Nou?
Another La Masia graduate, Sergio Roberto has answered to this question.
Roberto said: “I hope as the days pass he’ll begin to feel better and we can count on Leo to win trophies. In the end, it’s like when you split from your wife or your best friend. They are complicated processes. Now it’s up to his teammates to make him feel wanted.”
“I didn’t know anything (about Messi asked to leave last season). And when it came out in the news (the burofax) I couldn’t believe that Leo didn’t want to stay here. I wish it wasn’t like that. With him, we’re stronger and I’m delighted that he’s staying in the end.”
“He said he’s only staying for one more year but if we play well and we win trophies, who knows if he’ll change his mind? If we achieve that, even better.”
“It’s a very complicated situation. The player looks for his best interests and so do the club. It’s difficult to reach a balance where everyone is happy. In Leo’s case, it’s special. He’s been here for 20 years and given his all for this shirt.”
All the Barcelona fans will be hoping that Koeman is successful in delivering a trophy at the Camp Nou in his very first year so that Messi decides to stay. Everyone wants the La Masia graduate to end his career at Barcelona.
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