JAKARTA - Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz said Barcelona had clearly lost Lionel Messi this season ahead of the meeting of the two teams in the first leg of the Europa League round of 16 elimination at the Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona, Thursday night local time.
Quoted by Antara from football-italy, Fabian Ruiz said many people were surprised to see how Barcelona were at the beginning of this season because their opponents could always breathe a sigh of relief.
According to him, losing Messi was quite influential for Barcelona, but at this time the Blaugrana still have strong players in every line and they have seen Xavi Hernandez's team change.
"Everyone is surprised to see how Barcelona have been this season. It's clear they lost Messi, the opposing team always breathes a sigh of relief," explained Fabian Ruiz.
"There is no one like him, but Barcelona have strong players in every line on the pitch. We have seen how they have changed," continued Ruiz.
The Spanish midfielder continued to say that Napoli's match against Barcelona will be historic for the late Diego Maradona because the legendary player from Argentina has defended both teams.
The death of Diego Maradona some time ago brought sadness to the whole city of Naples and they want to honor him by bringing his memory to Europe against Barcelona.
Fabian Ruiz admits Barcelona are a great club but Napoli are ready to present an even match when the two teams meet over two legs in the Europa League last-16 stage.
"This will be a historic match for Maradona, he is a god to Napoli fans. We felt the city's sorrow when he died and we want to honor his memory against the club that brought him to Europe. Barcelona is a great club, but we believe it will be a balanced game. ," said Ruiz.
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