Posted by Josep Maria Bartomeu, president of Barcelona, claims that he knew he would be blamed for refusing to let Lionel Messi leave this summer, but says it was in the club’s best interests to hold the Argentine for at least one more year at Camp Nou.
The story of the summer was Messi ‘s willingness to leave Barca, with the Blaugrana icon making his intentions known shortly after the crushing Champions League defeat of the club. Messi told the club of his wish to move on, having spent his entire playing career with the club, following an 8-2 defeat to eventual champions Bayern Munich.
Bartomeu and Barca, however, remained firm, arguing that Messi ‘s right to opt out of an extension had expired and that his EUR 700 million would have to be paid by any club seeking to sign him. Messi finally relented, telling Goal that to avoid having to take Barcelona to court in an effort to force an exit, he will stay with the club.
Source: Goal.com