Former Barcelona president reveals shocking details about Messi

Former president Josep Maria Bartomeu recently clarified one of the most controversial chapters in FC Barcelona's history, involving superstar Lionel Messi's request to leave the club in 2020.

In a candid statement, Bartomeu asserted that he refused Messi's departure request Messi for the club's benefit. “When Messi wanted to leave, I said no. He was our most valuable asset and a major source of revenue for the team. I couldn't let him leave for free while still under contract,” Bartomeu emphasized.

This statement reignited the story that once shook world football. At that time, Messi sent a fax requesting activation of his free departure clause, but Barcelona did not accept it, arguing the clause had expired. The dispute strained relations between both sides before Messi decided to stay for another season.

Additionally, Bartomeu dismissed the notion that Messi held excessive power at Barcelona. According to him, the Argentine superstar never interfered in transfer decisions or coach selections. “Messi focused solely on his profession; he had no privileges beyond his role as a player,” the former president affirmed.

Notably, Bartomeu revealed that Messi stayed partly because he trusted changes in the club's leadership. However, events later unfolded unexpectedly. Despite hopes for a contract renewal, Messi ultimately had to leave Barcelona in 2021 due to the club's severe financial difficulties.

The former Barcelona president also linked this financial crisis to the high-profile transfer of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017. According to Bartomeu, Neymar's departure forced Barcelona to significantly increase salaries and contract release clauses to retain other stars.

“Not just salaries, we had to raise contract termination clauses to prevent wealthy clubs from poaching our players,” he stated. Bartomeu also emphasized that the financial power of PSG and Premier League clubs created immense pressure, contributing to Barcelona's squad imbalance during that period.