‘Would never allow that’ – Disgraced Barcelona president speaks on Messi’s free exit in 2021
Barcelona have had a history of controversial presidents, the most notable of which has been Josep Bartomeu. The Spaniard almost single-handedly destroyed the financial foundation of the club, and is largely responsible for the condition of the team today.
Joan Laporta, while celebrated for his time during the 2000s, has not coped well during this tenure, either, with his every single move criticised, most recently the Vitor Roque transfer in January.
Not to forget Sandro Rosell, either, who was accused of corruption, money-laundering, and much more during his less-than-four-year tenure before he eventually decided to resign.
Ten years since that, Rosell has gone on record to speak about Laporta, his second presidency spell, and Lionel Messi’s departure from the club.
‘For free? Never’
Speaking to during an interview, Rosell was asked whether he would let Messi leave for free – as Laporta did, in 2021.
“No, I would never allow that for free. If he wants to leave, then we will try to do whatever is necessary to benefit the club. But for free? Never,” he said (h/t FCBWorld), almost forgetting that it was not Leo’s decision to leave the club in the first place.
He was also quizzed about who was to blame for the exit in the first place, Laporta or the financial crisis at the club going on for a few years.
“I don’t know. Since I do not know the details, I cannot say anything. What I know is what I read in the newspapers, but each of them tells you something different.”
“Of course it is a big loss. All you have to do is watch what is happening in Miami and the MLS – the league is alive thanks to him. We are talking about the best player in history,” Rosell added.
