Gaspart explained that Messi would have to remain in
Barcelona until June 31, 2021, when his current contract with Ronald Koeman’s
side will expire before he can leave the La Liga giants.
Messi had on Tuesday, officially informed Barcelona of his
desire to leave this summer.
The Argentine captain, who joined Barcelona in 2001, is keen
for another experience, after playing all his career at the Catalan club.
But Gaspart believes if Messi leaves Barcelona for less than
what his clause is worth, it will be more humiliating than the club’s 8-2
defeat against Bayern Munich in the 2019/20 Champions League campaign.
Speaking with Marca, Gaspart, who was president of Barcelona
between 2000 and 2003, said: “Messi cannot leave [now]. He will have to leave
in 2021.
“I have seen the contract, and it is very clear. The clause
ended in June and there is no going back.
“I prefer him to leave next year for zero than to go now for
less than €700 million.
“The club is in charge here, not the player. The club paid
the players. And this is not a matter of money, there is a signed contract, and
that’s it.”
“I love Messi very much, but I love Barcelona more,” Gaspart
added. “Let the clause be paid. They did it to me one night treacherously with
[Luis] Figo, and I did the same with Rivaldo because I loved Barcelona.
“And here it’s the same. There is a clause of €700m, and the
contracts are signed to fulfil them. I understand there is pressure from others
for him to leave, but if I were the president of Barcelona, then I wouldn’t
negotiate a euro.
“If Messi leaves for less than what his clause is worth it
will be more humiliating than the 8-2 [defeat against Bayern Munich]. And Messi
should not forget that the fans love Barcelona more than the player. And if
Messi leaves next year, well, bad luck, he goes aged 34.
“Messi is loved a lot, and I hope he will enjoy one more
year [at Barcelona]. I would rather him go for free next year than this one for
€699m.”
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