Pep Guardiola speaks out on Lionel Messi leaving Barcelona

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola thinks Barcelona will face a period of readjustment when Lionel Messi's time at Camp Nou come to an end. Messi plays his 16th season with Catalan giants, having scored 622 goals through 711 appearances he made for the club. The six-time Ballon d'Or winner is closer to the end of his career, and one day the La Liga side will have to face the player's leaving. Asked whether Messi's exit will impact on Barcelona as severely as it was in Cristiano Ronaldo's case, when the Portugal international left Real Madrid for Serie A club Juventus, Guardiola told Post United: "It is inevitable, these players are so important. When Messi leaves Barca they will need some time to re-adjust. It is inevitable. These guys score 40 or 50 goals a season." Messi's contract expires next summer. However, there is a clause in his contract, allowing him leave for free at the end of the season.

Source: MEN

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