Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi, who has scored 35 goals in 35 games this season, could depart for China next year if the Catalan giants do not meet his demands.
Spanish journalist Eduardo Inda, speaking on
https://twitter.com/elchiringuitotv/status/836374825161658368
">El Chiringuito TV
His first demand was for manager Luis Enrique to leave at the end of the season, however, last night this fact came to reality as the Spaniard announced his departure himself.
Luis Enrique will leave his post as #Barca manager a club legend ðŸ'Œ
[via @FCBarcelona] pic.twitter.com/FaVDFD0Abz
Secondly, Messi wants the club to hire Sevilla manager Jorge Sampaoli as his replacement, the same man he wanted to coach the Argentinian national side.
Finally, the mercurial forward wants Barca to open up their chequebook in the summer and sign players of similar ilk to that of thesupreme footballing master.
Of course, few, if any, can match the talent of Messi but the diminutive attacker is clearly unhappy with the likes of Andre Gomes and Paco Alcacer who are simply not befitting of the famous Barca shirt.
Due to the club's constant reliance on their star man, you can almost bet that if these demands have been made, they will be rigorously followed.
They say no man is bigger than a club, but this cliche is put to the sternest test in Messi's case.
A huge wage increase is also said to be desired which would put him on a weekly sum most people would struggle to fathom.
Barca are said to remain confident in keeping their prized asset but this China issue could drag us into yet another contract saga.