Amunike cries out: I still regret not playing with Messi at Barca

BY EPHRAIM NWOSU

Former Super Eagles forward and Golden Eaglets sweat merchant, Emmanuel Amunike has lamented that the biggest regret he had in the 14 years of his football career as a player was not playing alongside four time world best player, Lionel Messi at Barcelona.

Speaking in an exclusive chat with Daylight Sports, the one time Zamalek of Egypt and Sporting Lisbon hit man, who played for Barcelona between 1996 and 2000 disclosed that though he played with some of the best players in the world, he was not fulfilled not playing with football genius like Messi and reigning world best player, Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I am proud to have played with some of the best players the world can boast of during our generation, among who are Ronaldo of Brazil, Zinedine Zidane, Rivaldo,Figo and Guardiola who is the present coach of Bayern Munich,’’ he recalled in nostalgia.

“On the other hand, we have new generation of players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo who I would have also loved to play with. My only regret is not playing with these players, especially Messi.

“I wish he was there during my time at Barcelona. It would have been a wonderful experience to play with such a multi talented player. But it is a pity that you cannot play with every player throughout your career. So, I have no choice but to admire and enjoy the beauty of their football artistry. When you watch Golden Eaglets FIFA Under 17 World Cup triumph in Chile last month, the 1994 African footballer of the Year came them in action, they are simply amazing.’’