Sergio Ramos believes his Barcelona counterpart Lionel Messi has earned the right to leave the club on his own terms, but has questioned the manner of his exit.

The Spain central defender also said that he is hopeful the Argentine will change his mind and remain at the Camp Nou next season despite his current intentions to leave.

The two players have been rivals for 14 seasons on the pitch and have clashed in multiple El Clasico fixtures throughout the years, becoming two of the most iconic players in Spanish football.

“I believe that Messi has earned the respect of deciding his future, I don’t know if he is doing it in the best way or not,” Ramos told reporters, in quotes carried by El Mundo as cited by Football Espana.

“But for Spanish football and for Barça, we all want them to have the best players. We would like Messi to always stay here.

“Messi makes the Spanish league and his team better, and the Clasicos more beautiful. He is one of the best in the world, there is little more to add, he has earned respect, without any speculation, and we will see what happens.”