Lionel Messi’s father Jorge Messi has revealed that it is difficult for his son to stay at Barcelona, and will most likely leave the club.
Messi had submitted a transfer request last week after several weeks of speculation over his future at Camp Nou. Following Barcelona’s 8-2 defeat in the Champions League quarterfinal against Bayern Munich, it has been said that the star player wanted to activate the release clause in his contract.
Jorge Messi, who is also the footballer’s agent and main legal representative, told Spanish TV program El Chiringuito that a future with Barcelona would be difficult. “A future at Barcelona? It is difficult. It would be difficult to stay.”
Intense debates are under way about where the six-time Ballon d'Or winner would head next. A report on Goal.com has said that apart from Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus, Manchester City could also throw its hat in the ring, as speculations are rife that manager Pep Guardiola has been in touch with Messi.
However, Jorge has denied being in touch with Guardiola or any report of his son’s future with City. “I haven’t talked with Pep. There is nothing yet with City.”
Goal also reported that Messi did not show up for pre-season medical checks at Barcelona’s academy base over the weekend. It further said that the Argentine will not be reporting to any further training sessions in order to distance himself from first-team affairs.
Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu had earlier said that Messi would remain at Camp Nou and end his career at Barcelona. After Barca’s Champions League quarterfinal loss, coach Quique Setien was sacked and ex-Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman was appointed as his replacement.
However, it is unlikely that Messi would change his mind regardless of the new appointments.
