Brazil legend Ronaldo has warnedLionel Messi he will never stop loving Barcelona even if he decides to move on this summer.
The 33-year-old added to his club’s increasing woes earlier this week by sending them a fax demanding his contract be terminated via a clause in the agreement.
Barcelona are adamant the clause is not valid as they insist it expired in June and are now battling to keep hold of their captain.
Messi is on extortionate wages at the Nou Camp and Barcelona could alleviate some of the financial pressure on the club by allowing the wantaway star to move on as per his wishes.
But ex-Barcelona and Real Madrid striker Ronaldo feels both parties should stick together due to their everlasting bond.
Ronaldo has warned Messi he will not stop loving Barcelona even if he leaves saying “It’s very unlikely that he’ll be able to leave Barcelona at the moment, especially when there’s a crisis of results,” the star said at a webinar hosted by Santander.
“Messi is a reference for the team and, if I were Barcelona, I wouldn’t let him leave in any situation.
“He has a great and strong relationship with the club and I don’t think he’ll stop being in love with the team.”
After a turbulent year the six-time Ballon d’Or winner is desperate to move on, with Man City, PSG and Inter Milan leading the race of potential suitors for his signature.
New Barca boss Ronald Koeman is naturally keen to retain his star man but he faces an uphill struggle amid the turmoil at the club.
The 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League appears to have been the final straw with a mass overhaul now expected at Barcelona.
