The 29-year-old has endured a torrid month on and off
the pitch but the Blaugrana's technical director Robert Fernandez
insists he has no concerns regarding the forward
Barcelona technical director Robert Fernandez has no concerns over
Lionel Messi's future at the club following a torrid month for their
prized
asset.
Messi abruptly announced his retirement from international football
after Argentina were beaten in the Copa America Centenario final on
penalties by Chile – a third consecutive final defeat in major
tournaments for La Albiceleste.
The 29-year-old was then given a €2million fine and a prison sentence
of 21 months after a Spanish court ruled he had evaded tax to the tune
of €4.1m, though he will be able to serve the jail term on probation as
his offence was non-violent and under two years in length.
La Liga president Javier Tebas expressed fears Messi could seek to
leave Spain's top flight as a result of his conviction, which he is
expected to appeal in the Supreme Court, but Fernandez insists he and
his colleagues at Camp Nou are relaxed over the superstar forward's
status.
"At Barca there is no worry about Messi," he said. "We want him back training now.
"I didn't talk with Messi yet because he is on holiday and he has to rest."
Fernandez
was speaking at a news conference alongside Lucas Digne, the full-back
who Barcelona signed from Paris Saint-Germain for an initial fee of
€16.5m on Wednesday.
"It's a great honour to be here, this is the best club in the world
and I'm so proud," said the France international, who spent last season
on loan at Roma. "This is the start of a great adventure.
"In all great clubs there are great players. Now I've got more
experience, I'm 22 and come from a great season in Roma. I'm so
motivated for play with the great players of Barcelona.
"That Barcelona wanted to sign me is enormous. I want to improve every day to get the best from myself.
"I'm a full-back that likes to go forward, but in modern football you got to defend too."
Digne is full of admiration for the player with whom he faces a
considerable battle in order to gain a spot in the first team, Jordi
Alba.
"I have seen many Barcelona matches and I like Jordi Alba, because he is a modern full-back that goes forward." he added.
source: Goal
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