Lionel Messi has been linked with a move away from Barcelona but is now reportedly keen to remain at Camp Nou. The Argentine was expected to leave Barcelona this summer, with his entering the final of his current contract.
However, speaking to media, the 33-year-old forward has moved to end rumours over his future by insisting he is happy at Barcelona.
“I would never in my life go against the club’s judgment 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.
“For some time now we have not had a plan or anything at the club, we have been making quick fixes and improvising. Was only to make it official that I wanted to go, because the president was not paying attention to what I was saying.” Messi added.
Messi has scored 25 goals and 21 assists in the 2019-20 season for Barcelona. Manchester City will be at the front of the queue if the Argentine available this summer.
“I’m going to stay at the club because the president told me the only way to leave was to pay the €700m clause, which is impossible, and that the alternative was going to court. I would never take Barca to court ever, because it’s the club I love,” Messi said.
“All year I’ve been telling the president I wanted to leave, that the time had come to look for new challenges in my career.
“Sending the burofax was making it official that I wanted to leave and that I’d go for free, I wasn’t going to use the optional year and I wanted to go. It wasn’t meant to cause trouble, or to go against the club, it was a way of making it official because my decision was taken.” Messi added.
