While the Saudi Pro League deals with the possible four-match suspension of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi’s name is once again stealing the spotlight in the Middle East. Anmar Al Haili, president of Al-Ittihad, has reaffirmed his obsession with signing the Argentine, stating that he is willing to offer him an unprecedented contract in the history of professional sports.
A blank check for the «10»
The Saudi executive was clear in declaring that money is not an obstacle to seeing the world champion in the yellow and black jersey. Al Haili stated that if Messi were to accept, he could personally choose his salary and the length of the contract, even suggesting a “lifetime” relationship with the club. “Financial gain means nothing to me; I want Messi because he is the best player in history,” confessed the club president.
Previous rejection and hope still alive
This is not the club’s first attempt to lure him. After his departure from PSG, Al-Ittihad put an astronomical offer of 1.4 billion euros per year on the table, a proposal the Rosario native declined in order to prioritize his family’s well-being in the United States. Despite that “no,” Al Haili keeps the door open: “I respect his decision, but he can come whenever he wants.” This ambition contrasts with the crisis at Al Nassr, who will be without Ronaldo for key matches against rivals such as Al Shabab and Al Taawon.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.
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