Messi won't screw over Barca - Abidal

 

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The Frenchman insists that his former colleague will not abandon the Catalans, despite repeated speculation regarding his future in 2015

Former Barcelona defender Eric Abidal insists that Lionel Messi will not leave the club in the lurch.

It has been a turbulent start to 2015 for the Catalans, who saw their appeal against their two-window transfer ban rejected and their star forward's future at Camp Nou called into question.

However, the Frenchman, who won four Liga title and two Champions League trophies in six years with Barca, believes his old colleague will stay put.

"I know Leo well," he is quoted as saying by Sport. "He is a well educated guy, he's not here to screw the club and others. He has character, he respects people.

"As he put it, he's at Barca, but doesn't know what tomorrow brings. That's sport. But yes, I believe he will finish his career at Barcelona and I hope he stays.

"Barca's his home and he has already shown what he can do on the field."

Messi finished second in the 2014 Ballon d'Or, well behind winner Cristiano Ronaldo and just 0.04 per cent ahead of third-placed Manuel Neuer.