Bartholomew: Messi had opportunity to leave in June, club interest is in first place

The Argentinian Superstar asked to leave Camp Nou after disappointment from the previous edition, but the Catalonians managed to escape by forcing him to respect the contract, while the club head says it was for the team's benefit.

The 33-year-old refused to go to courts for the abolition of the contract, while interested clubs had to pay the 700m-euro clause, so the evacuation did not happen.

Our principle was to keep Mess as part of the new project, so I decided against the start of a” discussion, it quoted. Goal Bartome's words.

I've been accused of promoting his launch, so I could even the numbers. But, no, we put the club's interest first and didn't want to reinforce a direct rival. We made the decision knowing that we would be criticized”.

I understand everyone's situation, sensitivity is important. In Leo's case, it's okay to get upset, because it's not good to accept the loss, and we're all pissed at”.

Well, there was a deadline for him to tell if he would leave unilaterally or not. He didn't do it and there he is. We all want to retire to Barca”, the Blaugran president has said further.