Approximately twelve days ago the footballing world shook to its core, when Barcelona star Lionel Messi informed the club about his willingness to leave. It all started with a burofax. Then he was absent from club’s pre-season coronavirus testing. Messi also didn’t show up for pre-season training last week as he continued to try to force a move. It became crystal clear to everyone that Messi was desperate to leave Barcelona. However, the 33-year- old forward finally decided to stay put in Barca forcefully.
In an interview on Friday, the Argentine ended intense speculation about his future by saying he will remain with the Spanish club for another year, but only because he did not want to enter into a court battle with the club of his life.
“I would never take the club I have played my entire life for to court, and that is why I am staying in Barcelona. It was a tough decision. I always said I wanted to end my career here and I do,” Messi said.
Messi had told Barcelona last month he wanted to leave, insisting a clause in his contract allowed him to do so on a free transfer. However, Barcelona, backed by La Liga, insisted a 700-million-euro ($824m) release clause would have to be paid, which was somewhat next to impossible. This forced one of the all-time greats to stay at the club forcefully.
However, irrespective of his decision to leave, Messi has promised to play with full commitment. “I will continue in Barcelona and my attitude will never change, no matter how much I want to leave the club,” he said in an interview with football-based website Gold.com.
“I will give it my all. My love for Barca will never change. I always want the best for the club, the dressing room and myself.”
The first discussion with the new coach Ronald Koman did not go in Messi's favour. The Dutch coach has made it clear that he will not be given any benefits as a senior player. “I said before we couldn’t win the Champions League. Now I don’t know what will happen,” he added.
“There is a new coach and a new idea. That’s good, but then we have to see how the team responds and if it means we can compete or not. What I can say is that I’m staying and I’m going to give my best.”
Meanwhile, Koman has said goodbye to Messi's favourite teammates - Luis Suarez, Arturo Vidal and Ivan Rakitic. They all have been told to find new clubs. Rakitic already returned to his former club Sevilla. On this regard, the Barca skipper said he doesn’t feel alone, “I don’t feel alone. I'm not alone. Those who are there have always been by my side. That’s enough for me and that makes me strong.”
Messi’s contract with Barcelona will end on June next year, he will then be allowed to leave for free. As of now, it looks like the little magician is destined leave his boyhood club next year. It is highly unlikely that he will put pen to paper for another contract. But for now the Barca fans can breathe a sigh of relief as they will get to see their hero and greatest player in club’s history for another season at least.