LIONEL MESSI TRIGGERS CONTRACT CLAUSE DEMAND TRANSFER TO LEAVE BARCELONA
Argentine international Lionel Messi has formally requested to leave Barcelona this summer. Messi, arguably one of the greatest footballer in history, is throwing the Spanish club into extreme chaos with the club having recently engaged the services of a new coach after sacking of previous manager, Quique Seiten due to exit from the Champions League , after losing 8-2 on aggregate to Bayern Munich, the eventual winner UEFA Champions League.
Messi is reported to have triggered the contract clause which he can leave for free under the terms of the contract which expires in 2021. The consent that he can leave the club for free without the club consent is if rival side pay his release clause of £700million (S$1.1billion).
The sixth time, Ballon d’Ors winner, recently criticised Barcelona for the diminishing results in games and approach to matches, he consistently aired his dissatisfaction.
The 33- year-old, is reported to have sent Fax message to the club requesting that he leave the Nou-Camp. Messi has scored over 600 hundred goals winning ten league titles and four Champions League.
New coach of Barcelona, Dutch legend Roanld Koeman had last week met with Messi and the Argentine reportedly said he saw himself as more out than in, but Club President Joseph Bartomen had recently said they are confident Messi will finish his career at Barcelona.
Lionel Messi is said to have gained support from former Barcelona captain, Charles Puyol, who tweeted “Respect and admiration, Leo You have all my support friend.
Barcelona for the first time in twelve years ended the season trophyless and suffered the heaviest defeat in Champions League losing 8-2 on aggregate to Bayern Munich, who are now the European Champions.
Meanwhile, his possible destination could be Manchester United, Chelsea or Paris Saint-Germain.