Bartomeu doesn’t want a fight with Lionel Messi

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The president has spoken about his captain

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has been talking to TV3 about recent events and the future of captain Lionel Messi.

Bartomeu said he was “surprised” by the number of signatures collected for the vote of no confidence but added that “nobody” was going to resign.

He also insisted that Quique Setien was told he was sacked straight after Barcelona’s 8-2 defeat by Bayern Munich, despite the former coach insisting he only recently received written confirmation.

Bartomeu also opened up on the recent controversy over Messi’s future.

“As president I will not enter into any conflict with Messi,”he said.

“Messi is our captain, the leader. We have seen him in recent days and does his talking on the field as we have seen. The issue is parked. What has been said has been said.

“I couldn’t allow, like anyone on the board or coaching staff, to let the best player in the world go. The team needs him. Things have to be discussed at home. You have to support the team and the players.

“We have to congratulate ourselves that Messi is still with us. He is excited about Koeman. The important thing is he plays for Barca, at his home. We want him to retire at the club and to start a project with Messi.”

Source | TV3

As we all know Messi has since announced he would be staying at the club, but he also made it clear Bartomeu “did not keep his word” and made it all but impossible for him to go.

Source: barcablaugranes.com