The former Blaugrana Academy player would appreciate Argentina’s move to England if he were to leave Camp Nou
Mikel Arteta would like to see Lionel Messi move to the Premier League should he leave Barcelona, even if the Argentinian striker ends up at a rival Arsenal club.
Messi rocked the world of football on Tuesday night when he informed Barcelona, where he has spent his entire career as a senior professional, that he wants to leave Camp Nou.
The 33-year-old is unhappy after Barcelona ended the 2019-20 season without trophies, losing the La Liga title to Real Madrid and being beaten 8-2 in the Champions League quarter-finals by Bayern Munich.
This has led to widespread speculation as to which clubs can bid for Messi, with Premier League clubs Manchester United and Manchester City among the few teams that could afford the superstar’s salaries, even if he were to cancel his contract with Barca and leave. for a free transfer.
Arteta, who came through Barcelona’s La Masia academy and confesses that he is still a fan of the Spanish team, would welcome Messi moving to the Premier League, saying it would be good for the competition.
Speaking at a press conference, the Gunners boss said: “He’s been connected everywhere. He has more clubs than any other player in history after him.
“I’ve been a Barcelona fan since I was young, so it’s always sad to see what I think was the best player in football history leave that club, but, I don’t know, let’s see what happens and if he comes to England, there we will all have fun.
Asked if he would like to play Messi in English football if he were to face him with Arsenal in the Premier League, Arteta said: “It doesn’t matter, it’s good for football. If he’s not there, we could find him in the Champions League. You want to. the best players in your league For me, this is the best thing as an athlete, to have the most competitive league in the world.
“The Premier League has always had it. With Ronaldo, I played against him when he was big, he raises the level of every individual and also of every team.”
Objective has learned that Messi’s intention is to give his version of events in the coming days, with the desire on his part to send a message to the Barcelona fans who remain fiercely loyal to him.
He spoke of a number of problems in Barcelona this season, including the presidency of Josep Maria Bartomeu, the sacking of coach Ernesto Valverde and his replacement Quique Setien, and criticism of the sacked sporting director Eric Abidal.
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