Valverde: "It's natural that Messi is talking about his retirement"

Valverde: "It's natural that Messi is talking about his retirement"

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The Barça coach believes it is normal for Leo to be thinking about retirement but that it doesn't mean it'll happen soon

Ernesto Valverde held his pre-match press conference this afternoon ahead of FC Barcelona's game against Mallorca. One of the first questions was about Lionel Messi and his recent comments at the Ballon d'Or ceremony where he talked about retirement.

"I'm not even considering Messi's retirement. It's something natural. Leo is 32 and whilst he isn't thinking about retiring tomorrow, it's clear that we're getting closer (to that happening). When a player passes 30 it (retirement) is much closer. People have made too much out of it. His comments don't mean he's going to leave football now or in three days time. You have to see it from another angle, in a more natural way."

Valverde was then asked if he felt privileged to have coached Messi. "I know what it means to coach Messi. The day to day stuff doesn't allow you to enjoy everything and, with time, I'll value it even more. We can all say we were part of the Messi era and, some of us, closer than others," he concluded.

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