"Only A Few Can Pay Messi’s €250m Buyout Clause"

 

FC Barcelona’s new Director of Football remains concerned about the possibility of Lionel Messi leaving the Spanish giants, but insists only a few clubs could afford his €250 million buyout clause.

Ariedo Braida, who replaced his predecessor Andoni Zubizarreta in February, has recently admitted Messi could leave Camp Nou.

However, the former Milan sporting director has now tried to calm the storm by insisting that not many clubs could indeed afford Barcelona’s star player.

"He's a very strong player and is the icon of world football. He sells lots of shirts all around the world, it's extraordinary,” he told Radio Anch’io Sport.

"The president always says that Messi is an alien. I think and hope that economically he's unapproachable for other clubs.

“Even if you have to pay attention to new investors, Messi has a release clause of €250 million and for most teams that is an unattainable figure.

"Leo in Barcelona is much-loved by all, I think it would be a mistake for him to change team."

Messi has scored 43 goals and assisted a further 23 in just 39 games in all competitions this season, but he has been subject to speculation following an alleged bust up with Luis Enrique in January.

Do you think Lionel Messi should ever leave Barcelona? Have your say in the comments section below.