Rennes technical director speaks on transfer, jokes on Messi

Rennes technical director Florian Maurice has joked on the club wanting to sign current world footballer of the year, Lionel Messi.

Maurice joked with L’Equipe while speaking in an interview concerning the latest speculation surrounding the Argentine.

Messi had recently abandon training in Barcelona after the tendering transfer request.

Speaking further, Maurice said the club that will be playing in the Champions League next season would try to make some reinforcement, adding that there is a need to build the best team possible that will be good in all competitions.

While expressing confidence that Eduardo Camavinga would stay at the club beyond this summer, the technical director described him as a formidable player that the club is getting to know better.

According to him, the club has decided not to sell him despite wanting Champions League football. The 17-year-old, who is of Angolan origin, has been called up by the French national team after a good season.

Maurice further revealed that the factor behind their decision is the idea of playing the Champions League with the club where he came through the youth system. So, he wanted to carry on the adventure.

Rennes will be playing Montpellier on Saturday afternoon before making their debut in the    Champions League.

Maurice, who joined the club from Olympique Lyonnais, wants to work hand-in-hand with coach Julien Stéphan and new president Nicolas Holveck as the club takes on a new dimension.

World Cup winner Steven Nzonzi initially joined the club on loan last winter Camavinga will be spending at least one more season at the club. The club is therefore set to add more talent to before the transfer window closes on October 5.

Camavinga, who had struggled with a groin injury in pre-season, came off the bench to turn the game against LOSC  Lille in Round 1.

He came on in the 64th minute and almost scored the equalizer five minutes later. He later helped the side to get the equalizer when he flicked on a corner for captain Damien Da Silva, who restored parity in the 74th minute to end the clash 1-1.

Written by: Oladipupo Mojeed