Barcelona issue statement after Lionel Messi decides to join Inter Miami

PSG's Lionel Messi reacts during the French League One soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Clermont at the Parc des Princes in Paris, France, Saturday, June 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) — Lionel Messi admits his preference was to return to Barcelona (AP)

Barcelona insist an offer was sent to Lionel Messi for him to return to Camp Nou – despite the Argentine claiming that the club could not confirm their proposal.

Messi was out of contract this summer after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired and has been in talks over a return to Barcelona.

However, despite La Liga approving Barcelona’s financial plan to fund a move for their former talisman, Messi opted to make the move to Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, effectively calling time on his playing career in Europe.

In a joint interview with Spanish newspapers Sport and Mundo Deportivo on Wednesday, Messi claimed that he wanted to make an early decision over his next move and said he was uncomfortable with the idea of Barcelona needing to sell players in order to fund his return.

Messi also indicated that Barcelona’s offer was not concrete.

‘Many things were missing,’ he said.

‘The club, today, was not in a position to confirm 100 per cent that I could return. And it is understandable, due to the situation that the club is going through, and that is how I saw it.’

Leo Messi Press Conference — Lionel Messi turned down the chance to rejoin Barcelona and is instead moving to Inter Miami (Europa Press via Getty)

However, Barcelona dispute Messi’s claims and insist a ‘proposal’ was presented to the World Cup winner.

A statement from Barcelona read: ‘On Monday, June 5, Jorge Messi, the player’s father and representative, informed Club President Joan Laporta of the player’s decision to join Inter Miami, despite having been presented with a proposal from Barca, in consideration of the desire of both FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi for him to once again wear blaugrana.

‘President Laporta understood and respected Messi’s decision to want to compete in a league with fewer demands, further away from the spotlight and the pressure he has been subject to in recent years.

‘Both Joan Laporta and Jorge Messi also agreed to work together to promote a proper tribute from Barca fans to honour a footballer who has been, is, and always will be beloved by Barca.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Stay connected with us on social media platform for instant update click here to join our T witter, & Facebook

We are now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TechiUpdate) and stay updated with the latest Technology headlines.

For all the latest Football News Click Here

Read original article here

Denial of responsibility! Rapidtelecast.com is an automatic aggregator around the global media. All the content are available free on Internet. We have just arranged it in one platform for educational purpose only. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, all materials to their authors. If you are the owner of the content and do not want us to publish your materials on our website, please contact us by email – [email protected]. The content will be deleted within 24 hours.