World News – USA – Barca presidential candidate Farre insists he would keep Messi – The Manila Times

BARCELONA: Barcelona presidential candidate Jordi Farre told AFP on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) that he would ensure that Lionel Messi in The Catalan giants should be elected next month and on an unlikely basis Point out the financially troubled club’s offer for Neymar.

Farre was in support of the motion that led to the resignation of former club boss Josep Maria Bartomeu. The January elections are trying to gain support for his candidacy by offering free tattoos and pizzas with the Barca crest on fans who supported him to bid for the top job.

The 45-year-old businessman and engineer said his priority was to convince Messi to leave for the final season despite the disaffected Argentine striker and the fact that he will start negotiating a departure next summer in the New Year can stay.

« Holding on to Messi is crucial . . . I hope that on the 25th. January after the election victory will be the first to sign his new contract, « he told AFP.

« I’m not going to reveal any private conversations, but we’re working on them. In the end, Leo just wants to stay at Barca and I’m sure there won’t be a problem.

“I don’t think we have to part with our best players. Barca need their best players. When we have the best players, we win titles and generate more sales. ”

Barca have been rocked by boardroom disputes, precarious finances and Messi’s attempt to leave the company in 2020. They are nine points behind current La Liga leaders Real Sociedad, who they will welcome at Camp Nou on Wednesday.

Although he admitted that Barca’s financial situation was « bad », he was optimistic that the club’s troubled situation could be better dealt with, even suggesting Paris Saint Germain star Neymar as « the best investment in the world World « to commit. .

Brazilian Neymar, who won the 2015 Champions League with Messca and Luis Suarez, recently said he would like to play with Messi again.

« I would love to have him here. He’s the second best footballer in the world, a spectacular player, ”said Farre.

“This institution needs some joy and Neymar has a smile on his face. It would cost Barca very little because it helps sell rights, replica shirts, advertising and sponsorship. ”

The list of candidates will be published on 23. Officially announced December. Among the candidates taking part in the election is former President Joan Laporta, who made his candidacy official two weeks ago.

Laporta were at the top from 2003 to 2010, which included four La Liga titles and two Champions League triumphs.

From 15. until 23. An election campaign will be held on January 1st before members of the club vote either at their Camp Nou stadium or at regional offices across the country.

FC Barcelona, ​​La Liga, Lionel Messi, Ronald Koeman, Levante UD, Real Sociedad, UEFA Champions League