Barcelona president, Josep Maria Bartomeu revealed why he could not allow the club’s captain and World Best Player Lionel Messi leave this summer.
Speaking with TV3 on Saturday, Bartomeu stated that the team needs the best player in the world.
He also stressed the point that he has no plans to step down, despite a motion to remove him.
The motion gathered more than 20,000 signatures this week.
Barcelona want-out Messi has however returned to training and back in action for the team, after failing to force a move away from Camp Nou this summer.
READ ALSO: Dr. Dre Sued For Hiding Assets From His Estranged Wife Amid Nasty Divorce
When he realised legal action would be needed to trigger a clause in his contract to leave for free, he made a u-turn, although he was critical of Bartomeu in an interview after the episode ended.
The left footed maestro has featured in two preseason fixtures, playing upfront as a false striker according to new manager Koeman’s strategy. Although the six-time world best player failed to find the back of the net in their slim 1 – 0 victory over newly promoted Elche in the Joan Gamper trophy final.
“As president, I will not enter into any conflict with Messi,” Barcelona President Bartomeu said.
“I couldn’t allow to let the best player in the world go. The team needs him, he guarantees success.
“We have to congratulate ourselves that Messi is still with us. He is excited about Koeman’s project. The important thing is he plays for Barca, at his home. We want him to retire at the club,” he added.
Messi sent a shockwave in the footballing world when he sent a fax of his intentions to leave Barcelona – a club he joined since he was 13.
READ ALSO: “No president of Nigeria ever hated Niger Delta like Buhari” – Asari-Dokubo fumes