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Bartomeu to Messi: Tell me I'm the problem and I'll resign

Josep Bartomeu says he will resign as president of Barcelona, if that's what it takes for Lionel ...



Bartomeu to Messi: Tell me I'm...
Soccer

Bartomeu to Messi: Tell me I'm the problem and I'll resign

Josep Bartomeu says he will resign as president of Barcelona, if that's what it takes for Lionel Messi to stay with the club. 

Bartomeu's position has come under intense pressure since Messi informed the club of his desire to leave.

The 33-year old cited a clause in his contract which allows him to leave - for free - at the end of a season.

Messi's decision has led for many to call for Bartomeu's resignation as club president, with some protesting outside the Camp Nou.

Messi's contract is due to expire in the summer of 2021, and Bartomeu has told TV3 that he doesn't want to be an obstacle to that deal being fulfilled.

However, he will only step aside if Messi publicly states that Bartomeu is his problem with staying at Barca.

Meanwhile, Luis Suarez has broken his silence regarding his future at Barcelona.

It's believed new head coach Ronald Koeman has told the Uruguayan striker is not part of his plans going forward.

It's also been suggested that Messi and Suarez's futures at the club are linked. Spanish football journalist Graham Hunter told OTB Sports earlier this week that the pair are "umbilically linked on and off the pitch".

Hunter added, "I don’t think Messi has sent this fax because Suárez has been badly treated. Has it accelerated his decision? Yes I think so."

Suarez used Instagram Stories to say, "There are people using my name and saying things about me, people that I've had nothing to do with in years.

"I'll speak for myself when that time comes about". He then added the hashtag, #NotEverythingIsTrue.

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Barcelona Josep Bartomeu Josep Maria Bartomeu Lionel Messi Luis Suarez Ronald Koeman