Barcelona –
Lionel Messi wanted to leave Barcelona in the transfer market last summer, but didn’t. Luis Figo also gave advice.
Lionel Messi made a scene when he stated that he wanted to leave Barcelona in the transfer market last summer. Drama that continues to drag on.
But in the end, Messi finally stayed at Barcelona. La Pulga, as it is called, respects his contract which will expire in the summer of 2021.
Luis Figo, a Portuguese football legend, gave advice to Lionel Messi. For him, if Messi’s heart is not in Barcelona anymore, then it’s better to just move.
“If you don’t want to be in that place, nothing can change your mind,” said Figo as quoted from Brand.
“I follow Messi’s news which is full of surprises and excitement for all football fans,” he added.
Luis Figo himself once stole the attention when he moved from Barcelona to his eternal rival, Real Madrid. Figo played for Barcelona from 1995 to 2000. 248 appearances in all competitions and 45 goals, plus eight titles he has won, including two-time Laliga champions.
In 2000, Luis Figo crossed to Real Madrid. Barca fans have labeled Figo a traitor, to the point that he was once thrown at the head of a pig when he wanted to take a corner.
Figo always gets close guard when taking corners at the Camp Nou when he is in Real Madrid’s shirt (Getty Images) |
However, Luis Figo was not affected by that. Figo continued to shine at Real Madrid, which at that time was filled with star players until they were nicknamed Los Galacticos.
Five years in Madrid, Luis Figo packed 245 appearances in all competitions, notching 56 goals and 93 assists. Seven trophies were presented including once the Champions League winner and the Ballon d’Or.
So Luis Figo advised Lionel Messi to follow his heart. Do not let it, instead, the appearance on the field can be dimmed because playing half-heartedly.
“Every club wants to have Messi, but then it depends on factors such as the club’s current financial situation, salary payments and the wishes of the player himself. Only Messi knows where he is going,” concluded Figo.
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