Former Barcelona president Joan Gaspart has made clear that Lionel Messi can't leave on a free transfer, despite the fact that the player has asked the club to release him from his contract.
Gaspart stressed that the Argentine's contract underlines that he only had until June to trigger his unilateral release clause.
Therefore, the only way he can leave now is by depositing the 700 million euros release clause or if the club chooses to negotiate a lower fee.
"[Messi] cannot leave," Gaspart told Radio MARCA.
"He will have to leave in 2021.
"I have seen the contract and it is very clear.
"The clause ended in June and there is no going back.
"I prefer him to leave next year for zero than to go now for less than 700m euros.
"The club is in charge here, not the player.
"The club paid the players.
"And this is not a matter of money, there is a signed contract and that's it."
