Barcelona have started talks with their star striker Lionel Messi to upgrade his current contract. “Relations between the two sides are very good,” club president Joan Laporta said.
Messi’s entourage “knows that Barca want the player to feel good here… We are proud to have him in the team because he is the best player in the world.”
The negotiations are continuing “at a good pace,” he said.
The 22-year-old is under contract with Barca until 2010. His salary is estimated at eight million euros per year.
Coach Pep Guardiola said meanwhile said that the arrival of Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will help keep Messi on his toes, and that’s what he needs.
“If Leo isn’t under pressure, he gets bored,” he said.
Ibrahimovic was signed from Inter Milan last month on a five-year deal which involved Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o moving the other way and the Italian side receiving €46 million as well as Alexander Hleb on loan.
Source: supersport.co.za
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