"Thanks for inviting me to the show." This is how the president of Barcelona, ​​Josep Maria Bartomeu, appeared on the television of his own club, where he was interviewed by the three sports newspapers published in Catalonia.

The maximum Barça president tried there to justify that he had decided to end his term. First, because of the effects of the pandemic. Later, due to the need to close both this financial year and the next: "The easiest thing would have been to resign, but also a very great irresponsibility . " And, above all, he was resounding with the need to give way to several of the references of the current squad. Not so for Leo Messi: "A cycle is over, but within the Messi era . "

Bartomeu admitted that in the last hours he has not spoken with the Argentine star, but with his father and representative, Jorge. "He has told me what we all know. That Leo feels a strong disappointment . " What the Barça president answered was little more or less than what was expressed in the interview: "Koeman has told me that the pillar of his project is Messi. He has a contract until 2021 and is non-transferable. He and everyone knows it. His father like him also know that there is a new project and a coach who has him. I have no doubt. He is still the best player in the world and we have him. "

Once the proclamation was made and after ensuring that it was Eric Abidal who requested the termination of his contract (his assistant, Ramon Planes, is now in charge of the technical secretariat), Bartomeu began to prepare the emotional ground for the exits that the club will try to carry out in the next few days. Footballers like Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, Ivan Rakitic, Samuel Umtiti or Arturo Vidal will have a very complicated continuity , without ruling out either that Sergio Busquets will be tried to convince him to step aside.

"The renovation will be as deep as necessary , " threatened Bartomeu. "We will talk to those who do not count. Some already know. They are legendary players who have given us a lot. And they have to leave with great honors," said the president, without ruling out that the club even offers letters of freedom. Bartomeu, yes, a list of non-transferable was also removed from the bag that included, in addition to Messi, Ter Stegen, Lenglet, De Jong. But also Dembélé and Griezmann .

Bartomeu, who admitted that Barcelona has stopped entering 200 million euros this year and that he advanced that next season that hole will rise to 320 million, assured that the players will have to tighten their belts again: "We will ask them to adapt their salaries at the level of income the club has now . "

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