Dudu Aouate Reveals Lionel Messi Blocked Barcelona Transfer
Former Israeli goalkeeper Dudu Aouate has revealed that Lionel Messi was instrumental in preventing his transfer to FC Barcelona in 2006. Aouate, who played for three Spanish clubs during his career, stated on the 'Kibbutz Channel' that a deal to join Barcelona was finalized, but Messi's intervention ultimately blocked the move.
Aouate explained that he was slated to become the second-choice goalkeeper behind Victor Valdes, competing with Jose Manuel Pinto for the role. He described the situation as being 'closed' for him to join the Catalan giants.
However, Aouate claims that Messi, who was friends with Pinto, intervened in the decision-making process. According to Aouate, Messi's influence led to Pinto being chosen instead, thereby halting Aouate's potential move to Barcelona. The story was published by Sport 5 on September 26, 2020.
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