The Argentine superstar could have been a Gooner.
FC Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi could have been an Arsenal player as manager Arsene Wenger admits the North London club tried to sign him.
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Wenger attempted to complete a triple swoop on Barca’s world renowned La Masia academy, with Cesc Fabregas and Gerard Pique also on the Frenchman’s wishlist at the time.
“We wanted to take Fabregas, Messi and Pique. It worked only for Fabregas,” the 65-year-old was quoted by BBC Sport.
There are several rumours as to why the Messi deal was not completed, with some saying there was an issue with a work permit, whilst others suggest it was because the Gunners refused to buy him a flat in the English capital.
However, Wenger has been moved to deny the latter… sort of.
“I think in the end he was not so keen to move,” the head coach continued.
“It was not completely down to a flat in the end. It was down to the fact that Messi was comfortable at Barcelona.”
Hindsight is of course a wonderful thing, but the form of Messi since the proposed move to North London would suggest the Premier League club’s fortunes could have been a lot different over the past decade.
The Argentina international has won a record four successive Ballon d’Or trophies for his performances for the Catalans and is also highly decorated with titles – including three Champions League winners medals and six for La Liga.
In contrast during the same time period Wenger has guided his side to just two FA Cup triumphs.