We are about to tell you all the details about the biggest transfer saga never told, when Mourinho nearly took Messi from Barcelona.
In what can easily be considered the greatest transfer story never told, Mourinho nearly took Messi away from Barcelona. Sky Sports’ Gianluca Di Marzio revealed an unbelievable story about how the Portuguese manager was really close to signing Messi.
It happened when the Argentine was having problems with the Spanish IRS and Jose was Chelsea’s boss. Leo decided to talk to Deco about a possible transfer but he also commissioned one of his friends to speak to Mourinho directly. The former Portuguese player was hungry for new clients as a new agent, which meant Messi was a major payday if he landed his transfer.
However, Leo moved under the table on his own and Deco didn’t appreciate that. There was a conference call between Mourinho and Messi where Deco wasn’t included. The alleged deal consisted of paying €250 million to Barcelona and €60 million per-season to Messi.
Mourinho sweet talked Messi.
When the meeting was set between the two of them, Mourinho seduced Messi to the brink of leaving Barcelona.
“How you doing, champ?” said Mou during the call. “They just told me about your wish: well, you don’t know how may sleepless nights I have had, trying to find a way to stop you. I’ve tried to employ countless strategies it would all work until you would find the winning dribble and score. You’re the best, full stop.”
“So, you know what I’ll tell you? That you need to stay exactly where you are! Don’t leave, they’ll build you a statue there, stay in Barcelona. That is the best possible place for a number one like you. However…” that’s when the hook came from Mourinho.
“If one morning you wake up, you have your breakfast at the training ground but the coffee doesn’t taste the same, the sky suddenly turns grey, you don’t like your car anymore, you feel sad on your way home, you’re not happy, your family is not happy, well, in that dark and gloomy moment of your life… then yes, you will have to open the gate of happiness again. And behind that gate, you will find me, Jose Mourinho, waiting for you!”
That call convinced Messi completely, he was sold on the idea of leaving Barcelona for Chelsea. But there was a problem, Deco felt left out and he immediately snitched on Messi with his father. Jorge Messi also felt left out of the whole deal and he demanded an explanation when Deco told him about the call. To this day, Leo denies it ever happened. Imagine the possibilities…
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