Stoichkov: “Messi did not force anyone to sign that contract”

Hristo Stoichkov has also taken the floor on one of the issues on which the most lines have been written in recent dates, the contract signed by Messi in 2017. After knowing all the amounts and clauses that accompanied the renewal of the Argentine star, the ex-Barcelona striker does not understand the controversy generated. “I don't understand it. Messi has never forced anyone to sign a contract of this caliber”, explained the 1994 Ballon d'Or in 'beIn Sports'.

As is popular knowledge, Leo's contract ends on June 30 and its renewal is a matter of state within the Blaugrana. With siren songs coming from Paris and Manchester, until the Barça elections take place, the '10' will not make a decision, because he wants to know the intentions of the new president. “The next president of Barça has to propose something concrete to Leo”, defends Hristo.

Vote of confidence for Koeman

But Messi was not the only topic covered in the interview, orchestrated as a preview of the Champions League first leg between Barcelona and PSG this Tuesday (9:00 p.m.), and Ronald Koeman, now coach and partner of the Bulgarian between 1990 and 1995 at Barça, has also come to the fore: “I know him well and I trust him. Having a coaching staff that has played football and at Barcelona is very important. Young people have to learn”.

“The win against Alavés is important in order to recover that winning spirit of Barcelona”, points out after the convincing victory (5-1) against the babazorro team, in which Messi, Trincao and Pedri shone at a high level. Green shoots in a season marked by sports and institutional doubts. The former face a final exam in a few hours. The latter still have to wait.