In a sensational revelation, Spain journalist Guillem Balague has claimed that Arsenal tried to sign the little magician Lionel Messi, in his new book titled ‘Messi’.
Arsenal representative Francis Cagigao proposed an offer to the Argentine player’s agent, which eventually, as Balague reveals, was passed on to his father for further ratification. However, a move to North London was out of bounds for the timid and shy Rosario-born Lionel Messi.
“They didn’t feel it [a move to Arsenal] was right because it would have meant a lot of bureaucracy again and starting over,” Balague told The Sports Review.
He added that a move to Arsenal would have meant Messi would have to adapt and change his lifestyle to suit London, which could have proved very difficult.
“He didn’t need that [a move to Arsenal]; a new language and a new culture,” he said.
“He needs a little Rosario where he can stay happily, with Argentinian supermarkets, restaurants… He [basically] lives in Rosario; the area is very similar. If he went to London, it could have killed him.” he added.
The Gunners, who were able to lure Spanish prodigy Cesc Fabregas from the world famous La Masia academy, were rebuffed in their attempt to sign the left footed wonder kid, who stuck with his boyhood club and as the old cliche goes – the rest was history.