adminLONDON. — Barcelona international sporting director Ariedo Braida has fuelled speculation that Lionel Messi may leave the Catalan giants by saying a move to Manchester City or PSG “could happen”.
Messi, who scored his 32nd hat-trick for Barca against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, was rumoured to be unhappy at the Nou Camp during the January transfer window. But the Argentine international reportedly has a £205 million release clause in his contract meaning any club hoping to sign him £205 million will have to smash the world transfer record to secure his signature. Manchester United were also heavily linked with Messi following claims that their new £750m Adidas deal could enable them to sign the four-time Ballon d’Or winner.
However, in an interview with Catalan TV channel Esport 3, Braida, who was appointed by Barcelona to a new technical committee in February admitted the 27-year-old could join City or the French champions.
“I think it’s almost impossible he (Messi) will leave but with Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, who have so much money, it could happen.
“Sometimes strange things occur. But he’s a phenomenon, an extra-terrestrial who is comparable to Maradona and Pele.” — The Daily Express.
Online Reporter