A former Blaugrana president, Joan Gaspart has stressed that Lionel Messi cannot leave Barcelona just like that, as allowing the Argentine to leave for anything lower than his release clause, would be more humiliating than the 8-2 defeat they suffered in the hands of Bayern Munich.
He said the Argentine’s contract underlines that he only had until June to trigger his unilateral release clause, and they are already in August.
Gaspart according to the report by Radio Marca, said Lionel Messi who has reportedly tabled a transfer request to leave the club after spending more than 16-years with them, cannot leave on a free transfer or a euro less than his release clause.
He said the only way the Barcelona legend can leave now is by depositing the 700 million euros release clause or if the club chooses to negotiate a lower fee. He said.
In the wake of the Lionel Messi saga, and after his talks with new manager, Ronald Koeman, Gaspart while reacting to all the news of Messi, told Radio Marca that:
“[Messi] cannot leave,”
“He will have to leave in 2021.
“I have seen the contract and it is very clear.
“The clause ended in June and there is no going back.
“I prefer him to leave next year for zero than to go now for less than 700m euros.
“The club is in charge here, not the player.
“The club paid the players.
“And this is not a matter of money, there is a signed contract and that’s it.”
Gaspart who was Barcelona president between July 2000 and February 2003, also spoke of how he loves the club more than any player.
“I love Messi very much, but I love Barcelona more,” he continued.
“Let the clause be paid.
“They did it to me one night treacherously with [Luis] Figo and I did the same with Rivaldo, because I loved Barcelona.
“And here it’s the same.
“There is a clause of 700m euros and the contracts are signed to fulfil them.
“I understand there is pressure from others for him to leave, but if I were the president of Barcelona then I wouldn’t negotiate a euro.
“If Messi leaves for less than what his clause is worth it will be more humiliating than the 8-2 [defeat].
“And Messi should not forget that the fans love Barcelona more than the player.
“And if Messi leaves next year, well, bad luck, he goes aged 34.”
The former Barcelona president went on to criticise Messi’s decision to leave the club.
“I don’t understand why he is leaving Barcelona,” he added.
“Well, I do understand because I know these plays by football players well.
“We all want him to stay at Barcelona.
“Doesn’t he want to stay?
“What’s going on?
“Are the millions of club members who ask him to stay not worth it?
“Does he think that Barcelona have not helped him to be what he is?
“Messi is loved a lot and I hope he will enjoy one more year [at Barcelona].
“I’d rather him go for free next year than this one for 699m euros.
“They shouldn’t lower [his price] one euro.” he said.