A few weeks ago, Leo Messi announced his departure from Paris Saint-Germain after two years with the French side. Now, following his departure from , the Argentine star has been defended by French legend David Trezeguet.
The former Juventus and player gave an interview to 'Team F' and, when asked about Messi, he offered his most sincere view on the Argentine's time in the country and his departure from the club, which he considers a mistake.
"I think that , in general, today with the time that has ed, is very unhappy that Messi has not continued in this team," he began.
"A guy who gives you stature at all levels, in of football, in of image, in of prestige. have rarely had a player of this stature."
The World Cup runner-up commented that, from his point of view, the player was never well understood in . "He gave stature to a championship that is less visible than English, Spanish, Italian or even German football," he said.
From criticism to the defence of Mbappe
The former striker also made reference to the criticism in his native country.
"The criticism in was very strong, especially from former colleagues of mine who work in television, who were very critical not of Messi but of the French football world. Like a great friend Thierry Henry, who is one of the most emblematic characters on television, like Dugarry, Lizarazu, guys with important influence. They defended their talent and the magic of football. It's going to take a long time for this recognition in ," he said.
As for Kylian Mbappe's recognition towards his former teammate Messi, he also had words highlighting that action. "Mbappe's opinion was very timely. He is the image of French football both locally and internationally. He was decisive in saying that they were losing the most important image of French football. That was a recognition [of it]," added Trezeguet.
"Egos are also part of the game"
"PSG is a team that in the last ten years opted more for stars than for the content of what it can represent, with a very clear obsession with the Champions League, but that tournament is not only won with names, there are other factors," he said.
"Today the club has made a radical change in its way of thinking, starting with Messi's latest move. There are rumours that Mbappe and Neymar are two players on the market. The strategy has changed, now the focus is more on football than on the rest, with a very talented coach like Luis Enrique, who works well with the youngsters."
To conclude his defence of the Argentinian, he added: "Messi's performance was extraordinary. In the end, statistics are what counts and in the two years he was there he showed that he was a very important player for Paris Saint-Germain."