ANGEL DI MARIA claims there is a ‘big chance’ Paris Saint-Germain will sign Lionel Messi this summer.
But the winger’s comments sparked fury from Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman, who branded them ‘disrespectful’.
Angel Di Maria says it’s likely Lionel Messi will ditch Barcelona for PSG this summerCredit: AP:Associated Press
Ronald Koeman branded Di Maria’s comments ‘disrespectful’Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Messi, 33, is out of contract this summer and expected to leave the Nou Camp on a free transfer.
He tried and failed to quit last year before being made to stay put despite strong links with Manchester City.
But Messi apparently remains intent on leaving after details of his mega-contract were leaked to the public.
Messi has since reportedly threatened to sue five Barcelona insiders he believes responsible.
And it seems there is no way back for Nou Camp chiefs as they look to rectify the situation.
French giants PSG have now emerged as the leading contender for Messi, who has scored 650 goals in 756 games for Barca.
Mauricio Pochettino looks set to keep hold of star duo Neymar and Kylian Mbappe on new long-term contracts.
And he wants Messi to join them in a fearsome three-man attack as PSG and Barcelona prepare to face each other in the Champions League later this month.
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Argentina teammate Angel Di Maria knows Messi well and has already been at PSG for five-and-a-half years.
Di Maria now claims Messi looks set to join him in the French capital – after his wife urged him to stay as PSG’s COOK if that’s what it takes for the pair to be together at club level.
Di Maria said: “There’s a big chance (of Messi coming). We have to be calm and let things develop.”
But his comments enraged Barcelona boss Koeman, who hit out at Di Maria in the wake of yesterday’s nervy 5-3 Copa del Rey quarter-final win at Granada.
Koeman fumed: “It’s disrespectful. It’s wrong to say such a thing and only heats up the Champions League game even more.
“It’s not fair. I don’t think it’s respectful towards Barcelona to talk about a player of ours.
“They talk about Leo a lot. He’s a Barcelona player, and we have a tie to play against them.”
Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta slams PSG for Messi transfer pursuit
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
