Among the thousands of broken-hearted fans that are shocked at soccer legend Lionel Messi's leaving of FC Barcelona is his Egyptian doppelganger, Islam Battah
There were no signs of any imminent exit from the player's house in the hills of the wealthy Barcelona district of Castelldefels on Monday, however."He's clearly still here, looking very relaxed indeed," Sky Sports News reporter Gary Cotterill told British television viewers in a live update from outside the house."I feel devastated," said Cristian Garcia, wearing a Barca shirt with Messi's name and number 10 on the back.
Messi said he had agreed a 50% pay cut in order to stay at Barca and sign a new contract but was unable to finalise the deal due to the Spanish league's financial control rules and the club's debts, which total more than 1 billion euros .it had secured a private equity injection of 2.7 billion euros from firm CVC, with the funds to be shared among the clubs in return for 10% of the league's revenue.
Barcelona, like their main La Liga rivals Real Madrid, are fully owned by their subscription-paying members known as "socios".
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Tearful Lionel Messi confirms it's over at BarcaTearful Lionel Messi confirms he is leaving Barcelona after 17 trophy-laden years, with Paris Saint Germain his likely next port of call for a career swansong
Read more »
Lionel Messi receives formal PSG two-year contract offer after Barcelona exitLionel Messi has received a formal two-year contract offer from Paris Saint-Germain.
Read more »
Lionel Messi says PSG move is a 'possibility' as he bids tearful farewell to Barcelona'I gave my all for this club for this shirt, from the first day I arrived to the last. ... I am more than satisfied.' As he bid a tearful farewell to Barcelona, football superstar Lionel Messi said a move to Paris Saint-Germain was 'a possibility.'
Read more »
PSG ready to welcome Lionel Messi to their clubLionel Messi expected to arrive in Paris later on Monday to pen a two-year deal, with an option for a third, according to ESPN reports
Read more »
FC Barcelona member files complaints to block any Messi move to PSGAn FC Barcelona member has filed complaints with a French court and with the European Union Commission with the aim of blocking any move by Lionel Messi to Paris Saint Germain soccer club, according to documents seen by Reuters on Monday.
Read more »