Ludovic Giuly: I Left Barcelona Because of Messi

Former Barcelona player Ludovic Giuly recently sat down for an interview with "AS," where he discussed his time at Camp Nou, life after football, and other intriguing topics. His most striking revelation was that he left Barça after witnessing Lionel Messi's extraordinary talent.

How is life treating Ludovic Giuly these days?

- My life is perfect. I'm enjoying football, watching the best matches, and I'm very happy. I have a perfect life.

You haven't forgotten Barcelona?

- No, it's impossible. How could I forget Barcelona? I won incredible titles with Barça, and every time I return, I'm filled with joy.

Do you enjoy playing with the Legends team?

- Yes, very much. Every time I play a match with them, it's like a dream come true. To wear the Blaugrana jersey again and play alongside my former teammates.

You founded a company to help retired players avoid investment mistakes by providing financial advice. Are you still involved with that?

- Yes. I speak with many former players about this, but it's very complex. Everyone has their own issues, and we try to help them.

What is life like for a retired player?

- It's very challenging. Twenty years of work suddenly disappear, and many don't do anything in the following years. If you don't have a job or a future goal, it's very difficult to cope mentally.

And money can disappear very quickly too.

- Yes. You have to protect your money because after your career, you might have another 40 years of life ahead of you. You need to be careful with that...

How do you remember that Barcelona team under Rijkaard, with Ronaldinho, Eto'o...? You brought enthusiasm back to the club.

- I still talk to them. We have a group chat and we keep in touch to see how everyone is doing. We'll always be friends. We won many titles and played some fantastic football.

You were crucial to Barcelona's second Champions League title, scoring a magnificent goal in the semi-final against Milan.

- It was an incredible goal. Because of how Ronaldinho's attack unfolded and my finish. It was a very tight match, and the return leg wasn't easy either. We had immense pressure in those two games to reach the final. That goal was a release for the club and for me, because thanks to it, we made it to the final.

Lionel Messi's emergence was the reason for your departure from Barcelona. Does it hurt less when it's because of Messi?

- I saw it clearly. I had one more year on my contract, and I left because when Messi arrived, I already saw what he was capable of and what he was doing in training. No problem, that's life. He took my place. I can say calmly: "Messi took my place." Not bad, right? I have no issue with that. What he achieved afterward and how far he went is incredible to me.

You had a different profile. You were very good at attacking open spaces.

- The coach wanted that from me, and my strength was speed. I had a very clear idea of my game: speed, depth, and getting to the byline. And to enjoy myself. Ronaldinho and Eto'o were already there to do more, as were Xavi, Iniesta, and Deco. Everyone had a clearly defined role.

Deco beat you in a Champions League final with Porto, but then you managed to win Barcelona's second title in history against Arsenal together. Did you ever think he would become a sporting director?

- I hadn't thought about it. Since he has a very strong connection with the players, I thought he would become an agent (which he was). But he's doing well at Barcelona. Everything is going smoothly. It's better to see a former player as a sporting director than someone who doesn't understand football.

How do you remember Laporta as president?

- Very well! He was an incredible president. He had faith in the players and the group, and whenever there was a problem, he supported you. I see him now as the same as before. I'm very happy he won the elections.

In your position, Lamine Yamal now plays. Do you see Golden Ball potential in him?

- Yes. He's at the best club that can help him achieve that. He can win many titles with Barça, and he also possesses his own qualities. He's a phenomenon, although it wouldn't be right to compare him to Messi. Lamine needs to forge his own path, but he definitely has the level to win the Golden Ball.

I read in an interview that you didn't want to watch Barça at "Lluís Companys." Now you can go to "Spotify Camp Nou."

- I have great memories of that stadium. I want to go back and enjoy it. I get goosebumps thinking about Camp Nou. And now it will be much more beautiful.

Do you think Flick's young team is capable of winning the Champions League?

- Age doesn't matter. The group is what's important. Winning the Champions League is very complex. Even last year, they played an incredible knockout tie against Inter. It's necessary to learn from mistakes, but this season things are being done correctly. The team is good, the coach is good too. But, I insist, it's very difficult to win the Champions League.