Eric Abidal has spoken to the media once more after his recent public spat with Lionel Messi and made a worrying admission regarding the contract situation of their legendary attacker.
The Barcelona sporting director had a falling out with the club captain after the Frenchman over comments he made in an interview with Sport. He hinted that the players were not working for previous manager Ernesto Valverde, thus resulting in his sacking.
Leo was angered by this statement and in a shocking outburst, took to Instagram to slam the Blaugrana executive. Bartomeu flew back to Barcelona almost immediately to douse this crisis but things remain complicated given the Argentine’s contract situation.
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner is in the final 18 months of his Camp Nou deal and due to a certain clause, could leave in the summer for free. As a result, several rumors have emerged linking him with a Pep Guardiola reunion at Man City.
Abidal has opened up about the club’s effort to tie down Messi with an extension. While the sporting director displayed an optimistic tone, he did admit to there being complications.
“The question is for him, hopefully it continues,” the Barcelona executive told Mundo Deportivo.
“Leo said that Barca is everything for him, that he wants to stay here, from there there are conditions.
“We are talking about the best player in the world and having a renewal with such a player is never easy.”
With La Pulga reported earning just above $9M per month in gross wages, not many clubs can afford his salary. Man City is one, and given the Guardiola link, many have suggested the Etihad Stadium at a possible destination. However, Pep recently squashed these claims, insisting that Messi will remain at Camp Nou and end his career there.
