Javier Tebas: I prefer that Lionel Messi stays in Spain
The La Liga president was glad that the Argentine star did not get away in the summer
La Liga president Javier Tebas spoke at a conference about La Liga in Valencia for students.
One of the topics was Barcelona star Lionel Messi, who tried to escape this summer but ended up staying at Camp Nou.
"In the crisis period of Messi with Barcelona, we sealed a TV deal with Latin America and they didn't mention it," said Tebas. "I prefer that he stays but it's not a question of life or death."
Tebas lamented that sports players get taxed much less in Italy than in Spain, where, for example, Cristiano Ronaldo went to play. He only pays 25% tax there and 100,000 euros on money made outside of Italy.
"That makes us less competitive," complained Tebas. "Football is an industry with 180,000 jobs and we have to look after it."
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