Lionel Messi was on the verge of leaving Barcelona in the summer but then-president Josep Maria Bartomeu refused to let him go and he eventually remained at Barcelona.
Bartomeu has now resigned and a new president will be elected on 24th January. The new president may have a huge role to play in Lionel Messi’s future at Barcelona.
Messi has now given an exclusive interview with La Sexta’s Jordi Evole. Here’s what he had to say about Maradona’s death:
Evole: Where were you when you found out that Maradona had passed away?
Messi: I was at home with my father and felt a wave of sadness…. Diego meant so much for Argentina
Evole: Where did you get that old Newell’s shirt that you wore as a tribute ?
Messi: It was a old gift from the club….. I felt it was the right time to bring it out and pay my respect for Diego
Evole: Maradona showed his colours politically…. you’ve never been tempted to express yourself politically ?
Messi: No, this is something I feel better to keep to myself. I’m a football player and although I have my views, I feel it better to keep this personal.
Maradona’s sudden demise affected the whole football world. With Messi hailing from Argentina, he had a special connection with the great Maradona. His death has greatly affected Messi.
Stay tuned we’ll be bringing in more exclusive conversations from the interview.