17 March 2023 , 14:21
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Former France international forward Christophe Dugarry has demanded Lionel Messi makes a statement clarifying his future after being offered a transfer proposal that would put him on the same wage packet as Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi’s father Jorge travelled to Saudi Arabia this week after a reported offer arrived as Paris Saint-Germain paused the superstar’s contract renewal talks. Ronaldo completed a stunning move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr two months ago and will earn in the region of £173million per year.
It is reported the offer to Messi contains the same conditions as Ronaldo’s, with the contract offer encompassing not only the player’s main wage but also their image rights and several contractual responsibilities. The development has further muddied the waters on the player’s future.
While Ronaldo joined Riyadh-based club Al-Nassr, it is their city rivals Al-Hilal – the Middle Eastern nation’s traditionally biggest club – who have been linked with a move for Messi. Al-Hilal are currently observing a transfer ban, but believe they will be in a position to sign players this summer.
Messi joined PSG on a two-year contract in the summer of 2021 – with his deal up for renewal in June. After a difficult debut campaign in Paris, he has netted 18 goals and provided 19 assists this season and has spoken of his happiness at adapting to life in France this term.
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However, there has been no clarification from either the player or the club regarding his future beyond this season. That has prompted Dugarry, capped 55 times by France, to question what motivation the Argentine star had for remaining in Paris.
Lionel Messi's Paris Saint-Germain contract expires in June (Getty Images)Have Your Say! Where is Messi likely to be playing next season? Tell us what you think here.
Dugarry said on French TV on Thursday evening, in quotes carried by Diario AS : “In this story I want to hear Messi express himself. What does this boy want?
“At some point I need him to take stock, to express himself, to come to 'Rothen lights up' (the TV show Dugarry was speaking on) and to explain to us that he loves PSG, that he is happy.
“I want him to accept that his performances have been less good in recent weeks for one reason or another. I want to hear that he still believes that he has the legs to be able to do his best. I want to hear that he loves this club. At some point or another, I need Messi to give me something back."
Dugarry continued: “It is obvious that his performance is not up to par. What is he there for? Is he there for the marketing, for the shirts, or for the performance?”