central to Barcelona's success and that there
will be a sea change in Europe when he
eventually moves on.
European football will change forever when
Lionel Messi leaves Barcelona, according to
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.
The Argentine has been key to the Catalans'
success over the last decade, helping them to
three Champions Leagues and six Liga titles
among numerous other trophies.
Mourinho, who beat Pep Guardiola's Barca to
the Primera Division crown with Real Madrid
in 2012, feels that the 27-year-old was the
central figure in the Camp Nou club's
success.
"In 10 years' time, without Lionel Messi, the
map of European football is going to
change," he told talkSPORT .
"What Barcelona have won in the last few
years was with Frank Rijkaard, Pep Guardiola
and Luis Enrique as coach, but it's always
with Messi."
Chelsea were linked with a move for Messi,
who was said to be considering his future
earlier in the season, but Mourinho was quick
to dismiss the reports.
