Bartomeu discusses Messi contract, confirms Puyol talks

Photo by Miguel Ruiz/FC Barcelona via Getty Images

The latest from the Barcelona president

Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu enjoyed a lengthy interview with Barca TV on Friday where he discussed a whole range of topics.

He opened up on the whole Neymar saga (which you can read about here), but he also talked about Lionel Messi’s contract situation and the possible return of Carles Puyol.

Here’s what he had to say about Messi.

“Leo Messi has a contract through to the 2020/21 season, but the player is able to leave Barça before the final season,” he said.

“It’s the same case as with the final contracts that Xavi, Puyol and Iniesta had. They are players who deserve that liberty, and we shouldn’t worry, as they are very committed to Barça. We want Messi to play for Barça through to 2021 and beyond. We are very calm.”

Bartomeu also spoke about Puyol coming back to the club in some capacity. Former players Patrick Kluivert and Victor Valdes have returned recently to take up positions, and it seems likely that Puyol could be next.

“We are talking with him and we would very much like him to return to Barça. He has a lot to offer the club and is very clear about the concept of football and organisation. In addition, he has also been training over the past few years.”

Source | FC Barcelona

There was speculation earlier this summer that Puyol could come back as general manager in place of Pep Segura in September, and Bartomeu seems keen to bring the Barca legend back.

Source: barcablaugranes.com