Lionel Messi has communicated his desire to leave the club immediately after two decades at the only professional club he has ever represented, according to multiple reports.
The 33-year-old superstar reportedly sent a burofax, a rapid communications system used in Spain that includes third-party proof of delivery, expressing his desire to leave. His Barcelona contract is set to expire at the end of the 2020-21 season.
The burofax reportedly referenced a clause in Messi’s contract that allowed him to leave at the end of this past season. According to reports, Barcelona claims the clause needed to be exercised at the end of June. However, Messi’s camp argues that the clause was still valid because the season needed to be extended due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The demand comes a week and a half after Barcelona suffered an 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League. The club fired head coach Quique Setien shortly after the loss and have since appointed former Dutch national team coach Ronald Koeman — also a former Barca player — as a replacement.
Messi joined Barcelona’s youth academy in 2000 and made his professional debut with the club in 2004 when he was 17 years old. He has made 731 appearances for the club, recording 634 goals and 285 assists.
He has won 10 Spanish leagues and six Spanish cup titles, as well as four Champions League, titles with Barcelona — including two trebles in 2008-09 and 2014-15. He also has been awarded six Ballon d’Or, which honours the world’s top football player, during his career.
DW
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