"I know it's difficult, and almost unfair" - When Bojan Krkic refused to name Lionel Messi at best footballer he played with at Barcelona

Former Barcelona star Bojan Krkic once refused to name Argentine superstar Lionel Messi as the best player he played with at the club. The Spaniard instead named Brazilian winger Ronaldinho as his pick, claiming that he 'had it all'.

After putting up videogame-like numbers across age groups in Barca's famed La Masia academy, many expected Bojan to become one of the best forwards in world football. While his senior career for the Catalan giants got off to a solid start, injuries and mental health issues kept him from reaching his true potential.

He made 163 appearances for the Blaugrana, bagging 41 goals and 19 assists. He shared the pitch with some of the best players in the world, including Messi (109 games together) and Ronaldinho (nine games together).

In an interview with A Bola, Bojan snubbed the Argentine maestro and named the Brazilian forward as his best teammate at Barcelona. He said (via GOAL):

"The best player I played with was probably Ronaldinho. I know it’s difficult, and almost unfair, to single out anyone, given that I shared the pitch with Messi, who played at the highest level for years. However, Ronaldinho, in my opinion, had it all. He was an incredible playmaker. Whenever he had the ball – whether during the game or when he was preparing to take a penalty – the whole team trusted him. He really was a true leader."

Besides Barcelona, Bojan also played for top European sides like Roma, Ajax and AC Milan. He retired at Japanese side Vissel Kobe in March 2023.

"We will do whatever it takes" - Barcelona presidential candidate makes claim about potential Lionel Messi return

Barcelona presidential candidate Marc Ciria has claimed that he will do 'whatever it takes' to bring Argentine superstar Lionel Messi back to the club if he is elected into office.

The 38-year-old is Barca's all time top goalscorer (672 goals) and appearance maker (778 games). Over the past few weeks, talks of his potential return to the Camp Nou has gathered steam - especially after his visit to the stadium in early November.

In a recent question-and-answer session with club partners, Ciria did not hesitate to make his opinions clear when asked about Messi. The Spaniard, who will go up against the likes of Joan Laporta, Victor Font and Xavi Vilajoana in next year's elections, said (via Marca):

"We already said in 2021 that he was the best generational bridge in sporting terms and an economic engine. We need Leo Messi and we will do whatever it takes to bring him back."

While Ciria did not specify the capacity in which he will bring the Argentine back to the club in, it is unlikely to be as a player. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner recently signed a three-year contract extension with MLS side Inter Miami.

Edited by Aaryan Nagraj