Lionel Messi says Luis Enrique brought a desire to achieve greatness again upon his arrival at Barcelona.
The Argentine superstar hailed the outgoing manager’s time at Camp Nou as memorable.
Messi credits his coach with having helped to bring the best out of him and for having picked Barca up following Gerardo Martino’s reign.
He told FourFourTwo: “Luis Enrique motivated us to be a great team again. I have to say that his arrival motivated us to compete again.
“We were, as a group, in a low moment, but when he arrived at Camp Nou, he lifted us to train and play at our best level. He gave us the desire to become a great team again.”
“After our 3-2 win at Real Madrid in April, Luis Enrique told me that I was the best player in football history,” Messi added.
Barcelona has appointed Ernesto Valverde as new manager.
“I said I wanted a tough challenge and it’s one the toughest”, he told newsmen after his confirmation.
“When a team like FC Barcelona calls you, you don’t have to think about it too much.
“I expect to find a squad of young players who want to win and will give the best of themselves.”
Opmerkingen