Barcelona are still in shock after Lionel Messi’s shock start, but the story now has a new chapter.
Years of mismanagement have forced Barcelona to part ways with Lionel Messi. The Argentina international bade farewell to the only club he played for on Sunday. It will be interesting to see what Barcelona’s plans are for the rest of the summer transfer window.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best stories involving Barcelona from August 9, 2021.
Gerard Pique says Messi’s exit left team ‘broken’
Barcelona veteran Gerard Pique has discussed his thoughts on Lionel Messi leaving. Speaking to the press following Barcelona’s 3-0 win over Juventus in the Joan Gamper Trophy, the Spaniard said:
“The team was honestly a little broken because of Messi’s departure, we are going to lose some magic in attack, but we have to move forward, the fans expect a lot from us.
“We are losing the best player of all time. It hurt us and it hurt him too. I do not know the whole story, both parties said it was a question of numbers … The management of the last few years has not helped, but history shows that we will recover.
“People really want to come to the stadium and we have to encourage the fans. We have to start winning and give them nice things. We need the fans with us. We are Barca and, despite losing Messi, we will have options. “
Miralem Pjanic accepts 20% pay cut to join Juventus
The unloading of Miralem Pjanic has been one of Barcelona’s priorities this summer transfer window. However, finding a solution did not come so easily. Now, according to SPORT, the Bosnia international is set to seal a return to his former club on loan.
It is claimed that everything is now in place for Pjanic to make a return to Juventus. The 30-year-old is ready to accept a 20% pay cut to force a move as well. The player was recently booed by fans during the Joan Gamper Trophy match against Juventus.
After a scorching first season at Barcelona, ​​a return to Juventus will be welcome for Pjanic and all parties concerned.
Barcelona seek to block Messi’s move to PSG
Barcelona have filed a complaint to prevent Paris Saint-Germain from signing Lionel Messi, according to Marca. It is claimed that PSG did not respect the rules of financial fair play in accordance with the LFP. The accounts presented by the club on June 25, 2021 would prove that they broke the rules.
Dr Juan Branco, the lawyer presenting the lawsuit, said:
“PSG’s FFP ratios are worse than Barcelona’s. In the 19/20 season, the pay-to-income ratio for PSG was 99%, while Barcelona’s was 54%.”
With Lionel Messi set to travel to Paris for his medical, the trial is expected to delay matters even further.
