Jean-Clair Todibo had a torrid time at Barcelona, arriving as they were in a slump, making just five appearances, and leaving without a single trophy. However, since he returned to Nice, where he spent a year on loan in the 2020-21 season, the Frenchman has been part of an excellent backline that has helped OGC Nice to sit second in the league.
Speaking about his time at Barcelona for the Ligue 1 Show, translated by Marca, the 23-year-old revealed a curious but perhaps unsurprising rule that existed during his time at Barcelona. “At Barcelona, they wouldn’t let us touch Messi during training. It sounds crazy, but it’s true. We had to be careful.”
Both Messi and Todibo left the club in the same year, with the defender going to Nice and Messi joining fellow French side Paris Saint-Germain. Todibo’s performances have since put him on the radar of clubs such as Manchester United.
GSFN | Finn Entwistle
