Barcelona was forced to give up Messi .. "owes 1.2 billion euros"

Messi left Barcelona in tears.

AFP

Barcelona seemed desperate to preserve the services of its star and Argentine captain, Lionel Messi, while the latter expressed his desire to stay at the Camp Nou, as the tears he shed at the farewell press conference showed.

But why, then, did the little "Flea" leave the only club that defended his shirt in his professional career that lasted 17 years?

Barcelona confirmed they had no choice but to part with the 34-year-old on a free transfer after his contract expired in June, as they struggle to reduce their debts of 1.2 billion euros ($1.4 billion).

For his part, and to prove his goodwill, Messi agreed to reduce his salary by 50%, as studies indicated that the commercial value of the club far exceeded the astronomical cost of his salary.

Despite the positive move from the Argentine, these debts and the need to comply with a strict maximum salary cap in La Liga;

They forced Messi to leave Barcelona through the narrow door.

The Catalans squandered the amount of 222 million euros they received from Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 as a result of the transfer of Brazilian Neymar to the ranks of the capital club, by committing to paying a transfer fee of more than 100 million euros, with a shy sporting return for both Brazilian Philippe Coutinho and French strikers Antoine Griezmann and Osman. Dembele.

Barcelona President Laporta admitted that the club's losses last season alone amounted to nearly 500 million euros, and insisted that he could not "mortgage" the club's future to any player, including Messi.

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