FC Barcelona star Lionel Messi has pleaded with everyone not to blame the outgoing coach Frank Rijkaard for the club’s disastrous season this time round.

Speaking to Radio Red, the 20-year old Argentine international, touted as the next Diego Armando Maradona, has reiterated his deep respect for Rijkaard and has insisted that Rijkaard alone is to be blamed for the woeful performance of Barcelona this season.

This season again the Blaugrana have failed to garner any trophy and Frank Rijkaard has been held responsible by many, especially by the club officials who have subtlety decided to oust him from the Camp Nou in favour of Josep Guardiola, who shall take over from the Dutchman at the end of this season.

But Messi says that Rijkaard gave his all and that he alone isn’t to be taken into account for Barca’s failure this season. Messi told Radio Red:

“I believe that he (Rijkaard) has done some great things for this club.

“I don’t think he should be blamed for anything which has gone wrong and I think the fans know this and that’s why they showed him appreciation on Sunday.

“I am grateful to him for what he has done and I would like to thank him.

“It has not been a good year for us, we had hoped to win everything instead we ended up with nothing for the second year in a row.”

Messi also spoke about is future at Barcelona. He said that he is happy at Camp Nou and would like to stay on there as long as possible although he did remark that he is proud to have a club like Chelsea trying for his signature

Lionel Messi said:

“I am a Barcelona player and this is what matters most. I have heard that Chelsea like me and I am very proud that such a great club are interested in me but I am happy here.”