“A player doesn’t walk on his own; he’s not going to do anything on his own” – Marquinhos makes request to PSG fans over Lionel Messi
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) captain Marquinhos has defended Lionel Messi after the Argentine was booed by the club's ultras.
Messi endured a difficult return to the first team after being suspended for taking an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia, which resulted in him missing a training session and a Ligue 1 game.
Fans booed Messi before and during the team's 5-0 league win against Ajaccio at the Parc des Princes on Saturday (May 13). Incidentally, it was not the first time he has been booed by PSG fans this season. Both Messi and Neymar were booed by a significant section of Parisians fans in March.
Marquinhos has now come to Messi's defence, saying that no PSG player deserves to be singled out by fans, telling L'Equipe (via Goal):
"I always respect protests when they are peaceful, at the times and places where it is necessary. Above all, I ask the supporters not to target one player or another. It must always be collective. A player doesn't walk on his own; he's not going to do anything on his own."
Lionel Messi expected to part ways with PSG, has staggering offer from Saudi Arabia
Lionel Messi is in the final months of his Paris Saint-Germain contract, and all signs point to him moving to a different club at the end of the season.
Messi has been linked with a host of clubs, from Inter Milami in the MLS to a Barcelona return. One club that has emerged as a surprise contender for his signature is Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Al-Nassr in January has given Saudi Pro League clubs the belief that they can lure the best players in the world to the Middle East. Al Hilal are reportedly offering the PSG star a whopping €500 million per season deal to join them, according to Cadena Ser (via GOAL).
Earlier this season, it was suggested that Al-Hilal had offered €400 million per season to sign Lionel Messi. However, they have now upped their initial offer as they look to secure the Argentine's signature this summer.