Barcelona Star Lionel Messi came ‘so close’ to Chelsea transfer after long Jose Mourinho phone call

Barcelona managed to keep their star man Lionel Messi at the club after a long transfer saga. The 6-time-Balon D’or winner did not agree with the board and wanted Bartomeu to retire his position or he will leave the club. He was serious as speculation built the hype and clubs preparing to swoop the best player in the world. Finishing the Champions League in a humiliating defeat in the hands of Bayern Munich, the dressing room was unsettled.

Messi was about to join Chelsea under Mourinho

President Bartomeu did not obey to Messi’s demand and blocked every possible move the Argentine could have opted for a possible transfer. The fans did not like the antic played by the club board against their captain. It was a sigh of relief as Leo stayed put eventually. A few days back Messi called it even with the board as a good time is yet to arrive at Barcelona.

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He said it was necessary to move forward from the events of the past and he wants things for the betterment of Barcelona. There was a tone of inspiration that the Argentine wanted his team to follow as well. However, it is not the first time Messi was linked with a move away from Barcelona. As per Gianluca Di Marzio, Messi was close to joining Premier League outfit Chelsea. It seems impossible in terms of the commitment the player has shown to the Blaugrana.

Lionel Messi: The Barcelona legend

The London Blues wanted to sign the young boy from Rosario in 2004.  Jose Mourinho was recently appointed as the manager of Chelsea after he won the Champions League with Porto. Leo was excited to play under the Portuguese tactician and even had a long phone call over the possible transfer. The 16-year-old never completed the transfer deal to London and the rest is history. Mourinho tried everything he could to lure the youngster to Chelsea.