Diego Simeone Reveals How He Spoke With Luis Suarez to Make Him Persuade Messi Join Atletico Before PSG Deal
- Lionel Messi left Barcelona during the summer after the club failed to agree terms with La Liga due to financial difficulties
- After guiding Argentina to the Copa America, Messi returned to the Spanish club only for him to be told he was no longer needed
- The drama lasted for weeks and Atletico manager Diego Simeone disclosed that he was in touch with Luis Suarez over Messi’s switch
PAY ATTENTION: Click “See First” under the “Following” tab to see YEN.com.gh News on your News Feed!
Atletico Madrid of Spain manager Diego Simeone has disclosed that he personally made efforts in signing Lionel Messi to his club after the whole Barcelona drama that saw the legend join PSG, Footbal.Espana reports.
Speaking with Argentine outlet Ole during their 25th anniversary, Simeone took time to discuss all the events that saw his compatriot Messi leave the Camp Nou.
He further revealed that if there was an opportunity, Atletico would have gone for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Source: Getty Images
Someone added that the events that changed Messi’s future happened so quick that it lasted just four about three hours.
Download YEN's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with all major Ghana news
He said via Daily Mail:
“I’ll tell you a detail. With what happened at Barcelona [in the summer of 2020] we called Luis [Suarez].
“With all due respect, I didn’t call Leo, but I did call Luis to ask how Messi was doing and whether he’d be willing or if there was a small chance he’d come to Atletico.
"But it was something that only lasted three hours, because PSG were already obsessed with signing him.”
Messi led his beloved Argentina to the Copa America, beating Brazil in the final in Rio de Janeiro and earning his country their first major title since Simeone himself was a player back in 1993.
Read also
Heartbroken Cristiano Ronaldo releases statement after ‘best friend’ Jose Semedo loses wife
Ousmane Dembele’s agents contact Man Utd, Liverpool
Meanwhile, there is growing tension at the Camp Nou as agents of Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele have reportedly contacted two Premier League clubs secretly.
It was gathered that the 24-year-old is set to become a free agent as his existing contract with the Catalan giants will lapse next summer.
The player’s agents were recently in talks with English clubs Manchester United and Liverpool on behalf of their client.
More problems for Ronald Koeman at Barcelona
YEN.com.gh earlier reported that Ronald Koeman's future at Barcelona remains uncertain following the club's decision to stop him from answering media questions.
The Dutchman has been under increasing pressure at Camp Nou as his side continues to struggles across competitions since the departure of Lionel Messi during the summer transfer window.
Koeman's men were outclassed by La Liga defending champions Atletico Madrid just before the international break and this was a few days after their Champions League defeat to Benfica.
Our manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in
Source: YEN.com.gh
