Gerard Pique: I knew that Messi could leave Barcelona for free
The defender played down the significance of the clause in the contract
Gerard Pique confessed during his appearance on 'El Larguero' on Cadena Ser that he "already knew that (Lionel) Messi could go for free at the end of each season."
The Barcelona defender added that "we know the commitment that Leo has to Barça and I am not worried at all" about the possibility of the Argentine leaving. He concluded that "Messi has earned the right to decide his own future. I hope he stays with Barça until he is 40."
It was revealed in El Pais on Thursday that Messi's deal, signed in 2017, allows him to leave each summer for free if he gives the club a certain amount of notice.
Messi's terms run until 2022 when he will be 34 but president Josep Maris Bartomeu has said he would like to extend the club's link with the player.
Pique also revealed he spoke with Neymar after the transfer window closed and the Brazilian didn't get his move back to Camp Nou.
The former Spain international said he wished him well for the season and added: "You never know. Every year there's an opportunity and we will see (what happens in the future).
Pique is currently in New York with his partner Shakira enjoying the U.S Open tennis. He, along with the other non-internationals at the club, have been given some time off over the weekend.
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