Joan Laporta opens up about his discrepancies with Lionel Messi

Joan Laporta opens up about his discrepancies with Lionel Messi

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The president cleared up what he put down to a misunderstanding

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has once again referred to Lionel Messi's move to Paris Saint-Germain and says the conflict between the two was caused by a misunderstanding.

Messi was angry at Laporta's comments earlier this year that he could have played for free at Barça and the president has cleared up the issue in an interview with TV3.

"I don't know if it would have been possible for Messi to stay without being paid," Laporta said. "I never asked him to play for free. He is the best in the world and we knew he had a big offer (from elsewhere)."

On Messi playing for free, he said "in any case that would had to have come from him, not from me."

For Laporta, "the controversy (surrounding the issue) was born from a false premise" because his words were twisted.

"The club must have a good relationship with the best player in its history and one of the best ever, if not the best. I respect Messi's position and my hand is always extended."

Laporta added that he "would love,eo to return to the club, if he wants to, as sporting director, as he said."

He also confirmed the two were unable to speak at the Ballon d'Or gala this week but that he "felt emotional and joy for him, because he deserves it, and pride because part of the prize was down to his season with Barça."

Finally, Laporta doesn't feel he let voters down in the election having by promising Messi would stay at the club under him.

"They knew what they were voting for," he said. "We did everything possible for him to stay and we had an agreement, but it could not be because LaLiga didn't accept it -- the agreement -- and that changed everything."

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