Bartomeu breaks the silence about Messi, Puig, Depay, Lautaro and Suarez

Josep Maria Bartomeu addresses the media regarding the current situation at Barcelona

Josep Maria Bartomeu of Barcelona had addressed the media about the current situation regarding Lionel Messi, Riqui Puig, Memphis Depay, Lautaro Martinez and Luis Suarez. Bartomeu’s position as the president of the club is currently at risk after there have been twenty thousand signatures gathered for his resignation. To calm the situation at the club, Bartomeu decided to address the media.

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The president first spoke about Lionel Messi’s recent transfer saga. Bartomeu stated that he could not let Messi leave this summer for free and that he hopes that the 33-year-old forward retires here at the Camp Nou.

"” As president I will not enter into any conflict with Messi. He is the captain of our team. He speaks on the field, we have seen him very involved in Koeman’s project.” – Josep Maria Bartomeu on Lionel Messi’s transfer saga"

The statements about Memphis Depay, Riqui Puig, Luis Suarez and Lautaro Martinez

The president stated that Luis Suarez is one of the most important players in the squad and that he is still on contract. Suarez has been linked with a move to Juventus this summer and only time will tell whether the former Premier League forward will sign for the Bianconeri.

Riqui Puig has also made the headlines recently after it has been reported that Ronald Koeman has asked the player to search for a new club as he is not part of his plans. The president stated-

"“There is a large squad and it is important that everyone is competing. Koeman will choose the best.”"

Regarding Memphis Depay, Bartomeu stated that the club has the financial resources to sign the former Manchester United forward, however, the club must sell first before they can sign him. The president was then asked if the club failed to sign Lautaro Martinez due to a lack of financial resources. To which he replied that the pandemic has vastly hampered the club’s financial backing.