Thursday, 25th December, 2014
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has revealed that UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules mean that his team will never be able to sign Lionel Messi from Barcelona.
There has been speculation over recent few months regarding the possible departure of Messi after a trophyless season with Barcelona.
Messi's former Barcelona team-mate and current Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas said recently that he would love to see the Argentine in Chelsea colours.
However, the Portuguese boss himself has now confirmed that his side won't be able to bid for Messi given the Financial Fair Play rules implemented by UEFA.
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"We have no chance because now there is financial fair play, and in accordance with that we have to follow certain norms and keep within certain figures", Mourinho said in an interview with BT Sport.
"We are in no position to purchase an incredible player at a stratospheric price."
While being asked about whether Barcelona need to sell Messi, the former Real Madrid boss said: "I don't even know because I don't think they ask because I don't think they want to sell, so it's even more difficult for everyone."
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