"The best player in the world should be the best paid in the world"

Sandro Rosell assured at midday on Thursday that he has not held a meeting with Messi regarding an improved contract, but the 'Azulgrana' president did open the doors for the Argentinean star to take a seat at the negotiating table: "I haven't talked to him about it, but the club's offices are open. I have no doubt that the best player in the world should be the best paid in the world."

Messi's contract with Barcelona ends on 30th June, 2018 and his release clause is set at €250 million. If his new contract is confirmed, the Argentina international will sign his seventh contract with the club in the past eight years.

Rosell also talked to the media regarding the referendum on independence which the Catalan government is planning. As for the leanings of FC Barcelona, the Catalan president remarked that his personal position is clear, but that "Barça will not take a position, because it does not vote; it has no right to an opinion as an institution".

Finally, Rosell defended the need to build a new stadium, "because the process of repairing and repainting is not sufficient if we don't want to get left behind and want to generate income".


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