JC Todibo says players in training do their best to avoid hurting Lionel Messi

Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images

The Barcelona defender, on loan to Schalke 04, spoke about training with the best

Jean-Clair Todibo, recently loaned to Schalke 04 by Barcelona, recalled what it was like training with Lionel Messi. In an interview with Bild, the French defender said he progressed a lot by facing Messi in training, and was very careful to avoid hurting the Argentine star.

“I learned a lot, I even tackled him a few times. But we all defended against Messi carefully, nobody wants to hurt him,” the young Frenchman said.

Todibo also revealed his idol is Andrea Pirlo, in part because he wore number 21, the same as the defender now does for Schalke. The reason for that number being special, is that it’s his mother’s birthday on June 21.

He says he’s convinced Schalke will reach the UEFA Champions League next season. They’re currently 5th in the Bundesliga.

Source: barcablaugranes.com