The transfer saga between Lionel Messi and Barcelona has seen high-profile players and coaches voicing their thoughts, but one of the most surpising came from two Real Madrid players.
Speaking at different cities ahead of the clash between Germany and Spain, Real Madrid icons Sergio Ramos and Toni Kroos agreed on one particular notion: Lionel Messi's possible departure would not be the best thing that could happen in the Spanish top-flight.
Contrary to popular belief, both footballers were baffled by the possibility of watching the Argentine leave the Blaugrana side, even if Ramos' words were a bit critical on how Messi requested his exit from Camp Nou Stadium.
"We have to stay away from that subject, but he has earned the right to decide about his future. I don't know if he chose the best way to ask for an exit, but for Spanish football, for Barcelona and for us as rivals, it would be great to have him around. He makes La Liga a better place, he makes his team a lot better and El Clásico is even greater when you face Barcelona with him in the lineup," Ramos stated.
Miles away, Toni Kroos seemed to agree with Real Madrid's captain, but in the end he admitted that not having "La Pulga" around would give other teams more chances to win La Liga.
"There are two sides to it. On one of them, it would be bad for La Liga, just like when Cristiano left. On the other hand, it would be different for Real Madrid, because Barcelona would lose their most relevant asset. I wouldn't be sad to watch him leave, especially when you realize he is your rival's biggest threat. Messi is one of the greatest players ever, but even if he leaves, there will be no guarantees for us in terms of having an advantage to win the league," Kroos said.
