08/25/2020 - 21:01
- Clarín.com
- sports
While the echoes of Lionel Messi's decision to leave Barcelona continue in the world of football, Joan Gaspart , former president of the club, left strong statements about the future of La Pulga . He not only assured that there is no chance that the captain will leave the club at this time, but he also warned that he should not be allowed to leave for less than the 700 million euros indicated in the termination clause.
" He cannot leave. He will leave in 2021. I have seen the contract and it is very clear. The clause ended in June and there is no going back. I prefer that he leave next year for zero, than leave now for less than 700 million. The club rules here , not the player, "Gaspart emphasized in dialogue with Radio Marca.
And he added: “I love Messi a lot, but I love Barcelona more. That the clause is paid. They did it to me at night and treacherously with Figo and I did the same with Rivaldo , because he loved Barça. And it's the same here, "said Gaspart, who was in charge of the institution between 2000 and 2003.
Beyond his firmness on the Argentine's situation, the former boss of the Blaugrana institution made it clear that Messi's first leg could be a bigger blow to the historic defeat against Bayern Munich in the last Champions League.
Joan Gaspart was president of Barcelona from 2000 to 2003 (Photo: EFE).
"If Messi leaves for less than his clause is worth it will be more humiliating than 2-8. And that Messi does not forget that the partner loves Barça more than the player. And if Messi leaves next year, well, bad luck, he leaves with 34 ”, he confessed.
At the end of the interview, Gaspart fixed his position even more and pointed out: I don't understand that he is leaving Barça. Well, yes I do. Because I know well these plays of soccer players. We all want him to stay at Barça. That he doesn't want to stay? What happens? That the millions of members who ask you to stay are not worth it? Do you think that Barça has not helped you to be what it is? Messi loves horrors and I hope he enjoys it for another year ”.
And he concluded: "I understand that there is pressure from the environment for him to leave, but if I am the president of Barça, I will not negotiate a euro."
FK
