Lionel Messi was always one of the most sought-after players by clubs in Europe, but at the same time, everyone knew that signing him was almost impossible. The Argentine striker spent 21 years at Barcelona from the time he arrived as a child and only PSG was able to make him change his mind in 2021. However, the fact that Messi did not change clubs does not mean that he was not tempted and recently a former Manchester City assistant coach made an interesting revelation.
Manchester City’s assistant coach in 2008, Mark Bowen, revealed in an interview that Messi had a remote chance of joining the English team, but that it was all a simple coincidence and a misunderstanding. Finally, the Argentine did not change clubs, but it seems that it would not have been so crazy.
Lionel Messi was “sounded out” by Manchester City in 2008
In an interview with the Business of Sport podcast, Mark Hughes’ former assistant Mark Bowen explained that in 2008 City were making several offers in Europe, hoping that one would come to fruition.
“It was almost the deadline day and Gary Cook (sporting director) told Mark Hughes that the owners wanted to do something. At one point, we had to make offers of 30 million for players: 30 million for Berbatov, 30 for Robinho, 30 for Ribery. They were just throwing bids at clubs all over Europe to see which one would bite,” explained the former assistant.
The situation escalated to the point that a rumor of an offer for Messi had reached Barcelona. “It turned out that Robinho came. But while all this was going on, at an event in London, the president of Barcelona announced that Manchester City had apparently offered 30 million for Messi!”, Bowen added.
He thought: so someone has sent an offer to Messi. The president quickly wrote to him saying: “Who the hell do you think you are? Please step down!” remembered the former assistant.
Lionel Messi reaches lowest market value in 20 years
While in 2008 Messi’s value was quite high and increased over the years, the Argentine now lives in the opposite reality. The forward continues to break records and win championships, however, his market value has varied.
According to recent data from Transfermarkt, Lionel Messi suffered a drop in his market value, the worst in 20 years.
Messi reached the figure of 15 million euros, the same as in January 2006, when he was just beginning to dazzle at Barcelona. These figures are understandable given his age and the stage of his career, however, the Argentine is not too concerned about this and remains focused on Inter Miami and the upcoming World Cup.
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