It is just days before Lionel Messi retires claims former Real Madrid right-back Alvaro Arbeloa. Then also he never enjoys Messi as a footballer .
Arbeloa was just 36 years old when he retired in 2017 . He played against Messi in his Madrid days , making 237 appearances for Los Blancos.
Despite being a Madrid player , he considers Messi as one of the greats of the game . He says that he is counting days before the Argentine Legend retires and he will never be able to enjoy the Argentine’s abilities .
Arbeloa told Marca :
I respect Barcelona a lot, as they’re a great team with a great player like Lionel Messi.
He’s very good, although I’ve never been able to enjoy it [watching him] and I don’t think I ever will.
I hope he retires before long, I’m counting down the days.
Other Articles Related to Football :
Messi a Barcelona Legend
Table Of Content
Both Barcelona and Real Madrid are on Champions League contention . While the Los Blancos are trying to defend their title as they face Ajax in last 16. On the other hand , Barca will face Lyon on 19th of February.
Arbeloa claims that while he’s not ‘anti-Barcelona’ . But he takes pleasure when he sees them lose in training also.
Arbeloa commented :
I’m not anti-Barcelona
I always want them to lose because that’s good for Real Madrid. Real Madrid fans aren’t anti-Barcelona, but I do hope that they lose in training tomorrow.
Would I want them to fail to go through in the Champions League? Yes, there would be one less rival.
Barcelona were always a challenging team, they’re a great team. I always went out to beat them.
I’ve always seen tension in Clasicos, even seeing Zinedine Zidane with his hands around Luis Enrique’s neck.
Issue with Isco
Arbeloa also commented on Isco situation . He said Isco is facing problems in cementing a place in Santiago Solari’s starting XI . The playmaker is losing his charm for not getting enough game time.
He said :
Isco has gone through something he never has had to before. He’s had to play in a position that isn’t his.
I’m the number one fan of Isco and I hope he stays at Real Madrid for many more years.