Bartholomew's statement about Messin in September last year has returned to persecute him

The player insists he can leave the club for free at the end of each season, while the president thinks the term for the class to leave has passed and that is written in the contract.

However, there is not long when Bartholomew himself declared that Messy had the right to leave the club before the new season began.

“Mess has a contract we signed two years ago, a four-year agreement, in which, in the last season, before the start of the 2020/21 season, he can leave Barcelona, leave football or go elsewhere”.

The other “players, such as Xavi, Inista and Puyol, also had [this option] when they recently renovated”.

The fact is that these players, including Messin, are one I suspect will go to another” club.

“They must have freedom, because they have earned it, decide their future and when they want to stop playing football”.

I have no doubt that he will continue to play for Barcelona, and I hope he will for many more years, not only until 2021, Bartholomew said in September last year.

Now, Bartholomew is refusing to meet with Messin to negotiate his departure, insisting that he will speak with the Argentinian only about a renovation and may leave for his 700m-euro release clause.