Laporta: "Messi wanted to stay at Barça"
"I'm sad, but I'm convinced that we've done what is right for FC Barcelona", he said
It is official. Leo Messi will not play for Barça again. Yesterday, the club announced that Messi would be leaving the club after 17 seasons at the pinnacle of world football.
In this morning's press conference, Joan Laporta said that Messi wanted to remain at Camp Nou: "Leo wanted to stay at Barça and Barça wanted him to stay. He made sacrifices, making things as easy for us as he could, but there comes a time when you need to take stock of the situation and leave your feelings aside".
The club had reached a total agreement with the player. He had agreed to sign a contract until 2026, with a 50% wage cut in his first season and with a release clause of €350 million.
Laporta stated that "Leo deserves the very best. He has demonstrated his love for Barça and his desire to remain here. I'm sad, but I'm convinced that we've done what is right for FC Barcelona", before arguing that the club is more important than any player, coach or president.
