Lionel Messi's father responds to Saudi transfer links

Various reports have claimed Messi has an offer worth €400 million a season from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal.

Jorge Messi, father and agent of Lionel Messi, has refuted rumors that his son has made plans to transfer to Saudi Arabia after his time with Paris Saint-Germain concludes.

“There is absolutely nothing [in place] with any club for next season,” Jorge Messi said in a statement on Tuesday.

“The decision will never be taken before Lionel finishes the league campaign with PSG. Once the season ends, that will be the moment to analyze things and see what options there are, and to take a decision.

“There are always rumors and many use Lionel’s name to gain notoriety, but there is only one truth and it is that we can assure there is nothing [agreed] with anyone. Not verbal, not signed, no pacts. And there won’t be until the end of the season.

“It is disrespectful towards other media that there are people that consciously and deliberately deceive without supplying any evidence, wanting to turn rumors with ill intentions into the news to favor their own interests. They should have to explain why they don’t verify their information. They don’t want the truth to ruin their ‘news.'”

Messi can pull the curtain on a two-year spell at PSG this summer once his contract expires.

The 35-year-old forward is expected to join a new club, but the identity of his next team remains unknown. He returned to training on Tuesday after PSG lifted his two-week suspension.