Lionel Messi has informed Barcelona that he wants to leave the club, according to several breaking reports.
Following Barca’s 8-2 humiliation against Bayern Munich, there were suggestions that the Argentine wanted to leave Camp Nou.
And now, that has apparently been confirmed by the Argentine.
Several high-profile outlets and journalists confirmed as much on Tuesday evening.
Journalist Alfredo Martinex tweeted: “Today is a very sad day for Barça fans. Leo Messi announces that he does not want to continue at Barcelona. After 29 years and 17 in the professional squad, the greatest player in history wants to go, and Bartomeu stays. The president who has not been able to retain him cannot continue.”
The player has sent a burofax to the club expressing his desire to execute the clause provided in his contract by which he can unilaterally leave the club at the end of each season.
“In principle, that clause ended before June 10, but the atypical of this exercise due to the coronavirus opens the way to request now to be released. It is considered a first step to open a negotiation for an exit, based on the fact that its clause is 700 million euros.”
The club will no doubt fight the fact Messi can trigger the clause that was due to expire on June 10 and we haven’t heard the end of this.
One thing is for sure, Messi wants to leave the club he’s been at for more than 29 years.
The biggest transfer story in the history of football is well underway…