Reports on Messi’s potential Barcelona exit send Kerala’s football fans into a tizzy
The Hindu
Cules of Kerala, an association of FC Barcelona fans in Kerala, was officially recognised by the Catalan giants only last month
Football fans largely amusing themselves with transfer gossip about players were sent into a tailspin on Thursday night when news broke about the potential exit of Lionel Messi from FC Barcelona. Social media groups of fans literally exploded in the wake of what could be perceived as one of the most momentous developments in the football world in recent times. Though it was initially written off as a rumour, the Club shortly confirmed in an official statement that Messi might indeed leave owing to “financial and structural obstacles”. For FC Barcelona fans in Kerala, it seemed like a dream turning into a nightmare as their association, Cules of Kerala, was officially recognised by the Catalan giants only last month. “Fans are in deep shock and can hardly believe it as it was least expected. People like me were drawn to the club in the first place by Messi though the loyalty towards the club has outgrown since then,” said Anjan Kumar, an ardent fan.
At PV Cherian Crescent Road, which derives its quietude in no small measure from the trees lining it, the axe struck twice last week, the first time on December 7, reducing one massive tree to a stump. According to a resident who wants to stay anonymous, when the workers were questioned about it, pat came the reply that the Corporation had ordered the hand that wielded the axe. With that explanation, residents who were disturbed by the cutting of the tree assumed there should be a justification for the act and let the matter rest. On December 12, the axe struck again, the Avenue’s arboreal wealth down by one more tree.
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