Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos weighed in on the ongoing turmoil at Catalonia, saying that while the imminent exit of Lionel Messi from Barcelona is not his club's business, the Argentine sticking with Camp Nou is good for Spanish football. The league, according to Ramos, will benefit having Messi around.
His words seemed to point to the explosive years of Messi in La Liga that started nearly 20 years ago. The Barca captain found fame and fortune in the league and his spell with the Catalan giants also saw the exciting "El Clasico" matches that further boosted football's popularity.
For the most part, the El Clasico showdowns highlighted the rivalry between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and Ramos is a living witness of those good years. He was on the pitch with the two living legends and the Real skipper said the Barca star has the last word on where he wants to play, given his immeasurable contributions to the game.
"The player has earned the right to be able to decide on his future. Having said that, for the Spanish game and for Barca and for the rest of us, we'd like him to stay as we always want the best around," AS reported the Real veteran, whose own future in Bernabeu is in question too, as saying.
Messi, however, has made clear that ending his career at Camp Nou is no longer an option. The superstar sent the formal request to the club board that he is leaving this summer, citing an exit clause on his contract that allows for a free transfer.
Barcelona insisted that the clause has already expired and Messi will need to pay his way out to the tune of £630 million.
The forward though seemed unfazed by Barca's stance and reports said he has already reached an agreement with Manchester City. The deal will see Messi playing for the Premier League in the next three years and he seemed convinced that the switch will work for him.
That's because City appeared willing to pay the price of signing the player that is widely considered as football's greatest of all time. More so, Messi is optimistic that working with Pep Guardiola again will lead him to more titles and honors before marching off the pitch for good.
The Argentine is shooting for a Champions League win and if possible, his seventh Ballon d'Or trophy, which he thinks have a greater chance of happening with Guardiola and City.
Jorge Messi, the Barca star's father, is set to talk with Barcelona officials this week but Goal said he appeared unconvinced that something good will come out of the discussion. The elder Messi said his son working for the Catalan giants in the upcoming seasons "would be difficult."
