Leo Messi speaks on a recent report that FC Barcelona had hired a public relations firm to tarnish the club’s top players’ reputation and More.. (via Mundo Deportive)
MD: Yesterday, you had a talk with President Bartomeu about the social network scandal, did the president’s explanation convince you?
Messi :I was a little surprised because I was not present, I was traveling. When I arrived, I discovered it all bit by bit. The president told us the same things he said in public, the same things he said at a press conference — what was the situation, what had happened. And I cannot say more.
MD: Did he convince you with his explanation?
Messi: The truth is that I see weird things happening. But, it was also said that there would be evidence. We will have to wait to see if it is true or not. We can’t say much and we have to wait and see what happens. Frankly, the subject seems strange to me.
On his future at Barcelona
MD: Will we ever see you out of here [barca]?
Messi: I’ve said many times that my idea is to stay and while the club and fans want that, there’ll never be a problem. I’ve also said I’d like us to all be good, the club, for the fans to be happy, to have a winning project and that we continue to opt for all the titles as we always did in this club. That is my idea, stay in this club. I want to win another Champions League, I want to continue winning Leagues and I always aspire to that.
MD: But the clause you have in your contract will allow you go to another club at the end of the season for free and that makes people nervous.
Messi: Really I’ve always had that decision, not just because of the clause. A lot of times I’ve had chances to leave, a lot of clubs were interested and even ready to pay my clause but I never considered going and not now either. If the club want me, there’s no problem
MD: We speak of Valverde and closely linked to the dismissal of Valverde is Abidal. You could see he was angry. What happened for Abidal to say what he said
Messi: I don’t know what he was thinking. I responded because I felt attacked… Too many things are already said about this dressing room, that we run things, we pick and sack coaches, bring in players, above all about me, that I have a lot of power and take decisions. It annoyed me that someone at the club would put the players in the middle of a sacking like that, it seemed crazy to me. It’s him who takes decisions and has to take responsibility. That’s why I spoke out. I couldn’t allow the sporting director to attack me in that way.
MD: It is true that you had a special relationship with Valverde.? When he was dismissed, you said he appreciated his work. Did Abidal’s thing hurt you as a person and a captain?
Messi: On both sides. First because he attacked the locker room. That’s why I said that if he going attack the locker room, I told him to give names and say who that person was instead speaking in general. And then on a personal level as well, because of what I said before, because it is already said a lot that I make decisions and command, which is not true. That is also why, both ways.
MD: Why do you think that is said so much? That you make decisions?
Messi :I don’t know, it also happened to me in the Argentine national team, where it was said that they played the ones that I wanted, that I chose coaches, that my friends played … I don’t know, the fact of being so long in one place and knowing the house a lot , both here and in the selection, maybe that’s why. But it was demonstrated, I think, also that I have my opinion, his club, that many times we do not agree and what I say is not done.
MD: You are the first football (soccer) player win the Laureus award . What did it mean to you?
Messi: It was impressive for me, I really wanted to attend the ceremony but they told me late and I couldn’t because I had other commitments. I tried to change it but I was left wanting to see next year even if I am not a winner.
On Lautaro and Kun
MD: Abidal told us that it is not impossible for Lautaro and Neymar to come in the summer. What is Lautaro like?
Mess: He is spectacular, he has impressive qualities, he’s showing that he’s a great player. He is very strong, he can score a lot of goals, he endures, he turns. He’s very complete. Lautaro and Suárez share the same qualities. Lautaro said he loves Luis Suarez. It would be the great to put them together. I wish he could come, like Neymar, to fight for all the trophies.
MD: Manchester City is banned from Champions League for two seasons. What do you think of that punishment?
Messi : It is surprising because nobody thought that such a thing could happen, so powerful. Paris paid a fine or I don’t know how it went. If in the end the City does not play the Champions League for what it is, with the players, the club and the money it spends it will be weird.
MD: Should we keep eye on Kun[Aguero] then in case he wants to leave?
Messi: What do you want ?, sign them all? (laughs)
MD: When you won your sixth Golden Ball, you hinted at retirement.
Mess: The reality is that one is turning years old and does not know, but I feel very good, better than in previous years, and that I am not scores goals, but on a physical level and legs I feel very good
Messi : We will see, we will see.
