Barcelona forward Lionel Messi reportedly turned down an unnamed Russian club who were willing to meet the Argentine’s €250 million release clause, in addition to paying the three-time Ballon d’Or winner €30 million a year.

In an article by Barcelona-based sports daily Mundo Deportivo Barcelona and Messi mutually agreed and rejected the offer, despite the incredible sum it would give the Catalan giants.

Lionel’s father, Jorge Messi, club president Sandro Rosell and Lionel, discussed and rejected the offer, with the player citing several reasons: he is comfortable with his team-mates and his desire to win trophies. Also the birth of his son, Thiago, fiancee Antonella and his desire to remain in Barcelona and raise his family are further considerations.

It is a testament to the loyalty he has to the only professional club he has known and a statement to all other clubs who would try to lure the Argentine from the Camp Nou in the future.