Published 12:11 IST, January 6th 2021
Pochettino leaves PSG's gates open for Messi, insists great players are welcome
PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino, when asked about the Lionel Messi transfer rumours, claimed that great players are welcome at the club.
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Barcelona icon Lionel Messi is on verge of leaving his boyhood club at end of current season. six-time Ballon d’Or winner sees off his contract in June, with no heway in extension talks as of yet. He has been linked with a move to eir of Premier League or to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Newly appointed PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino hasn’t ruled out possibility of Argentine switching to French capital.
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Pochettino press conference: Boss avoids questions on rumours of Messi to PSG
Pochettino was unveiled as new manager last week after Thomas Tuchel’s exit. His arrival at Parc des Princes has propelled transfer talks, linking several players to PSG, including Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli. However, Messi’s name hasn’t subsided a bit despite change of guard in Paris.
In his pre-match presser, Pochettino was quizzed several times on possibility of a move for Messi to PSG. But former Spurs manager decided not to take on any direct questions on subject, insisting on hectic schedule ever since his appointment, citing several meetings and training for his first game with Parc des Princes outfit.
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Great players are welcome: Pochettino ignites Messi to PSG transfer rumours
But Pochettino did leave some room for discussion on Messi transfer. He said, “We are going to have time to talk in future, but any big player in world is always welcome at Paris Saint-Germain." Interestingly, Argentina international is free to enter a pre-contract with any prospective club to seal a free exit next summer.
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Messi’s former teammate Neymar h triggered Lionel Messi transfer talks when he claimed he’d want to play alongside Barcelona icon next summer. Interestingly, Messi in his interview with LaSexta, h ruled out Neymar’s return to Barcelona, claiming that club lacked finances to re-sign Brazilian forward.
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Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen linked with PSG
Apart from Messi, Pochettino’s arrival at PSG has triggered rumours linking Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen to Ligue 1 outfit. two midfielders enjoyed successful spells under Argentine tactician and are currently struggling with ir respective clubs. However, Pochettino is yet to stamp his confirmation on talks. “y are rumours, and reality is that we have just arrived and are working with players who are here,” Pochettino clarified.
Image courtesy: Leo Messi, PSG Instagram
12:10 IST, January 6th 2021