Lionel Messi hailed a now Premier League benchwarmer’s performance as the best goalkeeping display he had ever seen, claiming he was certain the keeper would join Manchester United, Arsenal or Chelsea
A Bournemouth star was once described as an “alien” by Lionel Messi after he was frustrated in a Champions League clash.
Messi was sure Fraser Forster was destined to be one of the finest shot-stoppers to have ever graced the game as Celtic stunned Barcelona during the 2012/13 Champions League. Forster was imperious, with Spanish media dubbing him “The Great Wall”.
However, during Celtic’s 2-1 win, the best praise for the now 38-year-old was reserved from Messi himself. “The performances of Fraser Forster against us were talked about for a long time,” the Argentine wizard admitted after the game.
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“There was one game in Scotland where he was not human, it is the best goalkeeping performance I have seen.” Messi even expressed his belief that Forster was destined to join one of the Premier League’s elite clubs.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient even admitted that his Barcelona squad discussed the possibility of bringing the shot-stopping star on board.
He added: “When Victor Valdes said he was leaving we even talked about him playing here. I was sure he would end up at Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester United.”
However, Forster would not be destined for Catalonia, and his career took him to the South Coast with spells at Southampton and now Bournemouth – with a brief stint at Spurs in-between.
Forster rocked up at the Vitality Stadium in January: “The opportunity arose and, for me, it was one that I couldn’t say no to,” he said.
“I am absolutely delighted. It’s happened pretty quickly but I am delighted to be here and be a part of it. I am looking forward to helping the team and the squad, and contributing however I can for the rest of the season.
“You can really see the trajectory and the ambition of the club, and I think that was a very attractive thing for me.”