Messi to PSG was tempting, says sporting director Leonardo before Barcelona star's U-turn

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) sporting director Leonardo Araujo has mitted that Ligue 1 champions were tempted to make a move for Lionel Messi over summer after y found out he wanted to leave Camp Nou. six-time Ballon d’Or winner sent shockwaves around football world when he declared his intention to leave that club on a free transfer a couple of weeks ago. Barcelona, however, remained amant that Messi wouldn’t leave club unless any suitor was willing to match his staggering €700 million release clause.

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Messi to PSG? PSG sporting director Leonardo reveals temptation to sign Lionel Messi

Although multiple rumours linked Lionel Messi to Manchester City, PSG sporting director Leonardo Araujo revealed that French giants were tempted to make a move for Barcelona captain. While speaking to Telefoot, Leonardo was asked wher PSG were monitoring Messi’s situation over past few weeks and he replied by comparing David Beckham’s move to French capital towards end of his career, “Yes, we were tempted to make a move. We asked ourselves, ‘Is this really possible?’ We h previously signed David Beckham in 2013 but Messi now, we don’t know”, he said.

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At end of all drama, PSG failed to sign Messi and also bid goodbye to Edinson Cavani and Thiago Silva as ir contracts at Parc des Princes expired this summer. Only last week, reports claimed that Messi h agreed a five-year deal worth €700m (£621m) with City Football Group that would see him play at Man City and New York City FC. Messi was under impression that he was free to speak with or clubs. However, it was later confirmed that Messi’s €700m release clause at Barcelona is still active.

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Messi transfer news: Lionel Messi staying at Barcelona for at least anor year 

In an interview with Goal over weekend, Lionel Messi spilt beans on his failed Barcelona exit. Messi’s contract with Catalan giants expires in June 2021 and forward confirmed that he will give his all for club next term. Barcelona’s all-time leing goalscorer also revealed that he didn’t want to take club to court.

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Messi’s decision to leave club stemmed from growing chaos at Barcelona. issues with club board, management and disastrous results appeared to take a toll and a pound of flesh from Messi. Argentine also disclosed that club president Josep Maria Bartomeu failed to keep his end of promise which inevitably led to him staying put at Camp Nou.

Image Credits - AP