By Oyinlola Awonuga (The New Diplomat’s Entertainment, Fashion and Sports Desk)
Barcelona interim president Carles Tusquets admitted he would have sold Lionel Messi if he was in charge during the summer.
Messi has struggled for form this season – compared to his usual standards, that is – having remained at Camp Nou despite desiring to quit Catalonia.
Read also:
Maradona: Ronaldo, Messi, Pele, Others Grieve As Argentina Declares 3 Days Of Mourning
Messi: Set-back For Star Player As Manchester Declines Signing Him On
He reversed on his decision to leave when it became clear the Argentine would be involved in a huge legal battle with Barca, and resigned to instead depart one year later when his contract would have expired.
Currently, he is causing a strain on Barcelona right now due to his huge £54million-a-year salary, and Tusquets admitted he would have cashed in on the reigning FIFA Best Player award winner.
“From an economic point of view, I would have sold Messi in the summer,” said Tusquets.
“It would have been desirable for the money we would have received, and for what we would have saved.”
Meanwhile, Manchester City have reignited their interest in Lionel Messi having failed to price him away from Barcelona throughout the summer.
According to The Sun, Messi still wants to exit Barca as soon as possible, which has reopened the door for a possible Man City switch in the January transfer window.
The Etihad giants were leading the race for Messi during the summer with Pep Guardiola hoping to reunite with his former star as he bids to finally win the Champions League for the first time since he left Barcelona.
And Barca could be tempted to sell in January as it would guarantee them a transfer fee, whereas Messi’s contract runs out at the end of next June when he will be allowed to walk away from the LaLiga giants for nothing.
Read also:
Manchester City Move To Sign Messi In January
‘Messi Is Difficult To Manage’, Ex-Barca Coach Makes Shocking Revelations About Soccer Superstar
Messi Beats Ronaldo, Wins Another Award
Messi Condemns Suarez’s Transfer To Atletico Madrid
