Barcelona player Sergi Roberto has slammed Paris Saint-Germain’s treatment of Lionel Messi and says the Argentine would be welcome back at Camp Nou ‘with open arms’.
Messi has again been linked with a move away from PSG after they were knocked out from the Champions League at the hands of Bayern Munich this month.
Last year, Messi was booed by PSG’s fans at the Parc des Princes after they were eliminated out of the Champions League last 16.
And the former Barca superstar endured a similar experience on Sunday as his name was jeered by PSG supporters when it was read out by the stadium announcer before their defeat at home to Rennes.
Messi’s contract with PSG expires at the end of the campaign and the idea of Barcelona return has been raised, although La Liga have told the club they are unable to sign new players this summer until they cut their wage bill.
When asked about the possibility of Messi returning to Camp Nou after their win over Real Madrid on Sunday, Roberto told Jijantes FC: ‘With open arms, who wouldn’t be ready for Messi’s return?
‘In the end, we don’t want to talk too much because it’s up to him, the president, the coach, or whoever, but if it’s up to the players, we’re already waiting for him.’
- Chelsea star celebrates in Barcelona dressing room after Real Madrid win
- Kroos “doesn’t feel sorry” for Eden Hazard as he continues Real Madrid struggle
- Lionel Messi leaves PSG training early as explanation emerges after fight rumours
Speaking about the treatment Messi has received from PSG’s fans, Roberto said: ‘You can’t understand why, he is having good seasons in Paris, scoring a lot of goals, assisting.
‘They’ve taken it out on him because of the elimination [from the Champions League], but he’s a spectacular player and it’s very bad that a player of this level is treated in this way.
‘We’re going to treat him very well here if he comes.’
