Lionel Messi confirms, he will play for Barcelona next season despite his transfer request.
Lionel Messi has announced he will stay at Barcelona because the financial outlay required to make his desired exit a reality was “impossible”.
The superstar sent shockwaves through Camp Nou last week when he announced he wanted to leave Barca.
Messi was of the belief he could leave on a free transfer after activating a clause allowing him to terminate his contract at the end of the season, with Manchester City quickly emerging as favorites for his signature.
La Liga disputed that claim, though, and insisted any potential suitor would have to negotiate with Barca or pay the €700million release clause in Messi’s contract, with his option to leave for nothing having expired on June 10.
Consequently, Messi confirmed on Friday he would not be moving because the option of a free transfer was no longer on the table.
