Former FC Barcelona president, Josep Maria Bartomeu has revealed that an unnamed club was ready to trigger Lionel Messi’s €400 million release clause after Neymar left the club in 2017.
Bartomeu said Barcelona moved quickly to renew Messi’s contract, increasing his release clause to €700 million to secure his future at the club.
“Once Neymar left in August 2017 for Paris Saint-Germain, we received information that another club was preparing to pay Messi’s €400 million release clause,” he told AS.
“We sat down with Leo and his father and proposed a contract renewal with an increased release clause of €700 million, which was signed in November 2017.
“Messi renewed for a salary that seemed very reasonable to me, especially considering what he contributed, both on and off the field.
“We secured his future because if they paid €222 million for Neymar, they could pay €400 million for Leo, and we didn’t want to lose him under any circumstances.”
Bimbo Ademoye has expressed her frustration over the unauthorised use of her movie title and poster by some YouTube channels...
Nollywood actress Blessing Obasi has publicly celebrated her husband, Stan Nze, with a touching birthday tribute that has drawn admiration from fans online....
Hilda Baci has shared a candid message about toxic friendships, warning against people driven by fame, engagement, money, and...