Messi well looked after in Barca, says Soriano

Posted Tuesday, June 11, 2013 by Foxsports.com

Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano reflected on the development of Lionel Messi at Barcelona.

Soriano served as vice-president of Barcelona prior to his appointment at Manchester City and was present for Messi's rise to prominence at the Camp Nou.
Speaking to La Nacion, the 45-year old revealed that there was little doubt even back then that Messi was a special player, but Soriano credited the Catalan side for bringing the best out of the playmaker.
"Messi is an extraordinary talent, pretty much unmatched. He would have developed into a great at any team," Soriano said.

"However, he was planted in very fertile soil at Barcelona. He was watered and tended to with a lot of care in a good system."
Soriano cited the attention to detail taken by Barcelona in paving the path for Messi's development as the main reason why the Argentine managed an untroubled rise to the top.
"While Messi was growing, Barcelona looked after him to make sure all the basics were ok and to keep giving him new challenges, like playing against older opponents. He didn't get complacent that way and always had to give his best," he explained.

"When he turned professional, his contract was improved a number of times without him asking for a pay rise. That kept him calm and relaxed and made sure that he felt appreciated."