Jordi Alba has been the victim of all-out criticism by Barcelona fans regarding the departure of Lionel Messi. This criticism is wrong, Alba becomes a victim of the wrong target.
A few weeks ago, Barca made a surprising decision to let Messi go. There are financial constraints, Barca cannot sign Messi without violating La Liga rules.
Reportedly, Messi is willing to accept a pay cut, but Barca still can't meet La Liga's salary cap rules. There are also oblique accusations that the captains, including Alba, do not want to accept a pay cut.
It is this slanted issue that has made Alba heavily criticized. He is considered unfaithful and unwilling to sacrifice for Messi. So, what did Alba say?
Most recently, Alba vehemently denied the allegations. He insisted that from the start he was ready and willing to take a pay cut, the other captains like Gerard Pique and Sergi Roberto were also ready.
The negotiations with the captains are separate from the negotiations with Messi. Therefore, there is nothing to do with Messi's departure with the captain's salary cuts.
"In addition to being the best player of all time, Leo is the player who understands me the most. So, imagine the efforts I made for him to stay," said Alba di Marca.
"That's not true [Messi left because the captains refused a pay cut]. Messi's case is separate from the captains, it's only between the club and him."
Alba admits that he is used to negative criticism, but he cannot accept that his loyalty to the club is in doubt. From the start, Alba was willing to do everything for the club.
"I can't control everything that is said, but I've been here long enough. Nothing surprises me," continued Alba.
"If 10 out of 10 articles about Jordi Alba are negative, it's natural for people to think I'm negative. However, I don't accept it if you doubt it," he concluded.