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.

Reported by: Minaam Ansari
Follow: Google News Icon
  • share
null | Image: self
Advertisement

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.

Also Re | Lionel Messi’s future uncertain as Barcelona star enters final six months of his contract

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

Also Re | Mauricio Pochettino to axe 5 players as he looks to mark stamp on French champions PSG

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.

Advertisement

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.

Also Re | New manager Mauricio Pochettino wants players to be deserving enough to wear PSG jersey

Advertisement

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. 

Also Re | Mauricio Pochettino expresses gratitude after being appointed PSG's he coach

Image courtesy: Leo Messi, PSG Instagram

12:10 IST, January 6th 2021