Nadal: I don't understand the debate, Messi gets what Barcelona are willing to pay

Posted Thursday, February 04, 2021 by Marca.com

Rafael Nadal doesn't see any problems with Lionel Messi's Barcelona salary, after the deals of his contract were leaked this week.

The Argentine had received over 555 million euros since signing his last contract at the Camp Nou, but Nadal is struggling to understand why the figures have been used as a stick to beat the No.10 with.

"I don't understand the debate," Nadal said. "There's a player there who is undoubtedly one of the best in the history of football and he charges what the club are willing to pay him.

"After that, there's no debate. The club considered him deserving of the contract and they're the ones who have to deal with their finances."

Real Madrid have had their own problems, and Nadal knows that times are tough for the club he supports.

"[Real] Madrid's situation is difficult," Nadal said. "It's a lot harder to plan at a sporting and club level, to plan signings, renewals, and the crisis makes it difficult to know what could happen.

"These are tough times, and everyone has to try to survive."

The Spaniard isn't fit enough to play just yet, but he's not stressing about his condition.

"I'm not fatal, but I'm not well enough," Nadal said. "I'm undergoing treatment and I trust that things will get better, but I'm not ready yet.

"We just have to see day by day."