Bartomeu blasts Arthur, says midfielder won’t return

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The president has criticised the Brazilian’s actions

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has slammed Arthur for refusing to return to the club and has accused the Brazilian of “disrespecting” his team-mates.

The midfielder has remained in Brazil and is refusing to play for the club again after becoming unhappy at being frozen out at the Camp Nou.

Bartomeu made it clear he thinks Arthur’s actions are “unacceptable” and explained why Barca will be taking disciplinary action against the 23-year-old.

“What Arthur has done is an insult to his teammates, because the team wants to do well in the Champions League. And also to the club. It is illogical that playing such an important title, a player withdraws himself. It is unjustifiable and totally incomprehensible,” he said.

“We agreed that until the Champions League ended, he would continue to play for Barça. He is a player who has a certain importance in the team and who could help us.

“But he did not appear from the return of the mini-vacations. It is an unacceptable act of indiscipline. And that is why we have opened a file for him, because there is no argument that justifies his absence. He called and said, ‘I will not return, I will stay in Brazil.’ It is his decision. No one has given him permission.”

Source | Sport

The Barcelona president also made an interesting claim about how he thinks Arthur’s transfer to Juventus came about.

Bartomeu reckons the midfielder could not renew his contract at the Camp Nou: “because he wants too much money, he has a better offer and he tells us, Barça cannot match that offer, he decides to leave and then a bid is launched.”

Source: barcablaugranes.com