Lionel Messi hits back at his critics.
Paris Saint Germain superstar Lionel Messi has denied turning down an option to stay at FC Barcelona while not getting paid.
The Argentine messiah was forced to leave the Catalan giants after the club was unable to register him under La Liga laws.
It later emerged that Lionel Messi could have had an opportunity to stay at the club for free instead of leaving in tears to join Paris Saint German.
“The truth is that, as I explained on my way out, I did everything possible to stay, never at any time was I asked to play for free,” the Argentine forward has told Sport.
“I was asked to cut my salary by 50 per cent and I did it without any problem. We were in a position to help the club more. The desire of me and my family was to stay in Barcelona.
“Nobody asked me to play for free but at the same time, it seems to me that the words said by the president are out of place. They hurt me because I think he doesn’t need to say that, it’s like getting the ball off you and not assuming its consequences, or taking charge of things.
“This makes people think or generates a type of doubt that I think I do not deserve,” he concluded.
Coming up next for Lionel Messi and the French giants is UEFA Champions League action against RB Leipzig.
