Thomas Muller believes Lionel Messi’s impending Barcelona exit will open up ‘new paths’ in the game

‘It could become interesting for football’: Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller believes Lionel Messi’s impending Barcelona exit will open up ‘new paths’ in the game

  • Thomas Muller says Lionel Messi’s Barca exit may open new paths in the game
  • The 30-year-old considers Messi to be one of the greatest footballers of all time
  • Muller says the separation of Messi and Barcelona ‘had to come at some point’
  • He believes that switch could have an interesting effect on football globally  

Lionel Messi leaving Barcelona could have an interesting effect on football, according to Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller.

Muller considers Messi to be one of the greatest footballers of all time and takes a particular interest in where the superstar will end up.

The 30-year-old believes Messi’s departure from the Nou Camp could open up ‘new paths’ in the game.

Thomas Muller believes that Lionel Messi’s Barca exit may open new paths in the game

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner told Barca of his plans to leave the club on Tuesday, after 19 years with the Spanish giants – making 731 appearances and scoring 634 goals.

Sharing his thoughts on the announcement at a promotional event for Hoffner, Muller said: ‘Besides Barcelona fans, which I understand, nobody views this in a bad way, but are instead curious about what new paths could open up.

‘The day Messi and Barcelona go their separate ways had to come at some point.

‘Of course, you would have thought that would be the end of his career, but now it seems to be different.

‘Lionel Messi is one of the best footballers on the planet, maybe even the best of the last 100 years, although everyone will have their own opinion. 

‘If you ask Pele, he may see things slightly differently! Now there will be a change, and it could become interesting for football.’

A host of European clubs are vying for Messi’s signature. Those in serious contention are Manchester City; Inter Milan and PSG – who are managed by former Barca boss Pep Guardiola.  

The Bayern Munich player considers Messi to be one of the greatest footballers of all time

The Bayern Munich player considers Messi to be one of the greatest footballers of all time

Messi may reunite with former Barca boss Pep Guardiola through a move to Manchester City

Messi may reunite with former Barca boss Pep Guardiola through a move to Manchester City

Clubs such as Bayern Munich – who destroyed Barca 8-2 in the Champions League campaign – have ruled out a move for the superstar. 

CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admitted the club were never close to signing the Argentina international, saying: ‘I’ve spoken to our CEO once or twice in the last few months and I don’t think we can do anything about that.’ 

As for Muller, the German has been left out of the national side of their upcoming UEFA Nations League games against Spain and Switzerland. 

Speaking of the decision he said: ‘Of course, due to the team success and my role in it, this national team question has surfaced again in the last few months. 

‘But relatively clear statements have been made from all sides. That’s why there is no new stance and it is currently not an issue for me.

‘The young players have developed very well. There is no reason for me to change anything in this direction. If the situation were different, I would be the very last one who does not revise a decision, but I currently see no reason. This path is good.’ 

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