Messi and Barcelona are set to part company
Argentina Captain Lionel Messi will leave Barcelona this summer the Catalan club has announced.
The 34 year old became a free agent since July 1. He agreed a new deal with Barcelona on reduced terms and his intention was to remain with the Spanish giants. However, when he arrived to sign the contract this week, he was told by Barca officials that
Messi has spent 16 years at Barcelona during which time he won 6 Ballons d’Or (a footballing record) and became the clubs all time top scorer as well as the all time top scorer in La Liga.
According to Barca authorities, Messi was supposed to extend his stay at the Catalan club by signing a new 5 years deal on Thursday but obstructions from La Liga did not allow that to happen.
“Both parties deeply regret that the wishes of the player and the club will ultimately not be fulfilled”
“Despite FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi having reached an agreement and the clear intention of both parties to sign a new contract today, this cannot happen because of financial and structural obstacles [Spanish La Liga regulations],” the club said.
“FC Barcelona wholeheartedly expresses its gratitude to the player for his contribution to the aggrandisement of the club and wishes him all the very best for the future in his personal and professional life.” the club said in a statement.
Messi on his part is said to shocked and surprised at how things have panned out. However, some reports claims he is in contact with PSG over a possible move to Paris
Jack Grealish joins Man City in British transfer record deal
England midfielder Jack Grealish has joined Premier League champions Man City in a record breaking £100m deal. The 25 year old is now the most expensive player in English football history. He will wear number 10 shirt which was vacated by Sergio Aguero.
Grealish has been in sensational form for club and country in the last couple of seasons and City had been monitoring his progress. The player was said to have had a release clause of £100m which Man City were happy to meet. It would be exciting to see how Jack fits in at Man City.
“It’s a dream come true to be part of this club. City are the best team in the country with a manager considered to be the best in the world” – Jack Grealish.
The arrival of Grealish could mean that a few attacking players will leave the Etihad this summer. Bernardo Silver is one of those likely to leave. Spain may be his next destination.
