The midfielder says his old team-mate’s achievements at Camp Nou will “remain forever” regardless of whether he retires in Catalonia
No one can steal Lionel Messi’s legacy if he leaves Barcelona, according to Cesc Fabregas.
Messi is being tipped to push for a move away from Camp Nou again in 2021 after abandoning a bid to activate his release clause in the summer transfer window.
Barca and La Liga ultimately succeeded in making sure that the six-time Ballon d’Or winner honours his contract after his initial transfer request, but he will be free to speak to any potential suitors when the market reopens on January 1.
While clarifying his future during an exclusive interview with Goal, Messi said he no longer thinks the Blaugrana are capable of competing at the highest level, with the 2019-20 campaign marking the club’s first trophyless season in 12 years.
Manchester City, Inter and Paris Saint-Germain have all been mooted as possible next destinations for the 33-year-old, but it has also been suggested that the diminutive forward could sign a contract extension at Camp Nou after seeing club president Josep Bartomeu and the rest of the board of directors resign.
Manchester City, Inter and Paris Saint-Germain have all been mooted as possible next destinations for the 33-year-old, but it has also been suggested that the diminutive forward could sign a contract extension at Camp Nou after seeing club president Josep Bartomeu and the rest of the board of directors resign.
“It was a pity to see how people inside the club tried to hurt him, but in this sense, as a Catalan, I am grateful that he stayed at Barca,” he added. “I don’t know anything about his future next summer. Nothing.”
Source: Goal