'We would like Messi to end career in Barca shirt’

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has said that he would like Lionel Messi to end career with Barca, adding that he feels 'responsible' for the way the Argentine left Camp Nou.

"Leo's stage did not end as we all wanted. It ended up very conditioned by economic issues. We owe him a moral debt in this regard. We would like the end of his career to be with the Barca shirt and being applauded in all fields," Laporta was quoted as saying by Sport.

"This is an aspiration. My intention with Leo is clear. I feel responsible for how things ended although nothing has been discussed so far. I think it is a provisional end, I think we will make this aspiration a reality," Laporta added.

Messi has played 778 games for Barcelona in all competitions, scoring 672 goals and 266 assists leaving a legacy behind before his move to PSG last year. The Argentine playmaker's current contract with PSG runs out in 2023.

Barcelona have been making big strides in the transfer window this term, bringing in the likes of Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich and Raphinha from Leeds in addition to AC Milan's Franck Kessie and Chelsea Danish central defender Andreas Christensen on free transfers.

Yesterday, Barca confirmed that they have reached an agreement for the transfer of Jules Kounde from Sevilla.

According to transfer news specialist Fabrizio Romano, Barca are eying another Chelsea star.

"Barcelona will push again for Cesar Azpilicueta in the next days. Azpi wants Barcelona move but he's gonna be professional with Chelsea, so depends on the two clubs now.

Jules Koundé will sign with Barça until June 2027, it's gonna be a five year deal as expected," Romano tweeted.