Lionel Messi has informed Barcelona that he would be moving to China in 2018 if they do not meet his three demands. Speaking on El Chiringuito TV, Spanish journalist Eduardo Inda said: “Messi is starting to get pissed off and has told Barcelona that if they do not accede to his requests, he is going to China in 2018 for free.”
The result came just five days after a humiliating 4-0 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
Messi’s future is up in the air with his current contract expiring next summer.
Manchester City have been backed to make a £100million bid to try and lure him away from the Nou Camp at the end of the season.
Secondly, Messi wants ‘certain players’ to be sold by the club. Andre Gomes, Paco Alcacer, Lucas Digne and Jeremy Mathieu are the players that the superstar wants to be sold in the summer.
Barcelona’s board has been rocked by the demands put forward by Messi for signing his new contract. He has informed them that they first have to replace Luis Enrique in the summer.
And whether or not their bid is successful may depend on what action Barcelona take.
Spanish outlet Diario Gol claim Messi wants three players sold before extending his stay in Catalonia.
The first of those is Jeremy Mathieu, who has endured another poor campaign.
The 33-year-old has looked off the pace when given the nod over the likes of Gerard Pique and Samuel Umiti at the back.
Messi is also said to resent the regular inclusion of Lucas Digne.
Digne signed from PSG in the summer but has toiled when picked over Jordi Alba.
Barcelona may adhere to Messi’s demands to make sure that he stays at the club beyond the summer of 2018. The Argentine is determined to help the club challenge Real Madrid till the very end for the La Liga title and also make sure they so the impossible and overturn the 4-0 deficit and make it into the Champions League last 8.
Extra Cover:Lionel Messi wants Barcelona to sign Real Madrid star
Messi’s current deal expires in 2018 and there have been rumours he could be considering a move away from the club.
But Fernandez insists talks are progressing smoothly and expects Messi to sign an extension, alongside midfielder Andres Iniesta and goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.
Barcelona secretary ‘convinced’ Lionel Messi will sign a contract extension:
- Lionel Messi’s current contract at Barcelona expires in 2018
- First-team secretary Robert Fernandez has no doubts where Messi’s future lies
- Fernandez said: ‘We’ve been working on this issue for a long time’
