Football Updates: After Barca opted not to renew Messi's contract owing to LaLiga's tight pay limitations, the Argentinian moved to Paris Saint-Germain in August.
On Friday, Barcelona president Joan Laporta expressed his hope that Lionel Messi will reconsider his decision to leave the club and offer to play for free. After Barca opted not to renew Messi's contract owing to LaLiga's tight pay limitations, the Argentinian moved to Paris Saint-Germain in August.
"There came a time when both parties saw that it would not be possible. There was disappointment on both sides," Laporta told Catalan radio station RAC1.
"He wanted to stay but they also had a lot of pressure because of the offer they had. They knew if he didn-t stay, he would go to PSG."
Laporta continued: "I hoped Messi would do a u-turn and he would say he would play for free.
"I would have liked that and I would have been all for it. It is my understanding LaLiga would have accepted it. But we cannot ask a player of Messi's stature to do this."
Laporta maintained that the club's dire financial position prevented them from retaining Messi on the same terms. Last season, Barca lost 481 million euros ($556 million) and had a total debt of 1.35 billion euros.
"We had the conclusions of the audit (on Wednesday) and the investment in Leo would have put us at risk," said Laporta, who also suggested Barcelona could yet sign up to a deal with investment fund CVC Capital Partners.
In August, LaLiga notified Barcelona that if they agreed to the agreement, the league would sell 10% of its commercial operations, including broadcast rights, for the next 50 years in return for 2.7 billion euros. The offer was turned down by Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Athletic Bilbao, as per football news updates.
"We do not need more debt," said Laporta. "I understand LaLiga clubs are suffering. We have not ruled ourselves out of this operation but they have to change it. They are trying to reformulate the deal."
Laporta also confirmed his support for Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman, whose future has been uncertain in recent weeks.
"I think he deserves a margin of confidence," said Laporta. "I asked him if he trusted the team and he said, 'Of course I trust them. I need to get the injured players back. He wants to continue at all costs and show this team is competitive."
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