Lionel Messi has left Barcelona after 21 years of service.
On Thursday, Barcelona announced the departure of Lionel Messi due to financial problems in the club.
President Joan Laporta explains the real reason why the club couldn’t sign Messi even after agreeing on a five-year deal and 50% pay cut in the salary.
Laporta said in a statement: “When we arrived at the Club, after the first audit and the end of the season, the figures seemed better. However, they are worse than predicted. That means high predicted losses and the predicted debt is much higher. That is why we have those salaries way above income. There is no wriggle room with salaries. To comply with the league’s fair play regulations we had to accept an agreement that mortgaged the Club’s TV right for half a century.” The president made it clear that “The Club is above everything else. The players, the best in the world, the President, everyone.”
Laporta added: “Leo’s registration was tied to accepting this La Liga operation and it is not in Barça’s interests. We understand that we should not accept this mortgaging of Barça’s TV rights for half a century.” He explained: “I want it to be clear that Leo wanted to stay and the Club wanted him to stay. There comes a moment in the negotiations when you have to make a stand and analyse the figures rigorously. The La Liga rules could be more flexible but that is no excuse because we were aware of them. Leo Messi deserves everything and he has shown his love for Barça and the willingness to stay in Barcelona. I am sad but convinced we have done the best for FC Barcelona’s interests.”
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