Manel Estiarte: Messi Is Great Because Ronaldino Left

Manel Estiarte believes that Ronaldinho was sold to AC Milan by Barcelona to allow Lionel Messi to take the spotlight and become the superstar that he now is.

The former water polo star is currently employed as the Blaugrana's director of external relations and he told La Gazzetta dello Sport why he feels the club has a new hero.

Coach Josep Guardiola sanctioned Ronaldinho's move to Milan as one of his first jobs and Estiarte believes that it was so Messi could step out of his shadow and shine.

"He is the best in the world and is, I believe, our leader. He is playing very well now because Ronaldinho has moved to Milan," the director explained.

"Guardiola pushed through his move because he knew it was the time to free Messi from his shadow.

"Messi is the best player in the world and, therefore, had to be the best at Barcelona.

"He is having a marvellous season and away from the pitch he has to be protected because he is still very young and needs to be surrounded by his family."

Estiarte and Guardiola have a close relationship and the former Pescara and Savona water polo star thinks that the new Barça coach's attention to detail has been the key to his early success.

"He is the main reason that I am with FC Barceona. We are great friends," Estiarte continued "He requires complete focus. There is to be no commercial activity 48 hours before a game, he controls the diets and many other things.

"Many of these things will become easier to control following the change of training venue to the Cuitat Esportiva this week. He has been in control of organising that."

Lucas Brown, Goal.com