LIONEL MESSI demanded his Barcelona transfer after new boss Ronald Koeman reportedly told the superstar his “privileges are over”.
The club captain, 33, faxed the board to inform them he wants to quit after growing furious with their treatment of him and, most recently, Luis Suarez.
Lionel Messi decided he wanted to quite after being told his ‘privileges’ were being stripped away by ‘inflexible’ new boss Ronald Koeman
He held a personal talk with Koeman following the Dutchman’s appointment as Quique Setien’s replacement last week.
In their discussions, Messi revealed he sees his future outside the club.
But according to Diario Olé via AS, Koeman told Messi in their meeting: “Your privileges in the squad are over, you have to do everything for the team.
“I’m going to be inflexible, you have to think about the team.”
Speaking publicly last week about the Messi situation, Koeman said: “He’s still got a contract and is still a Barcelona player.
“At this point I need to speak to him because he is the captain.
“We need to work with him and speak with various players. We need to make some decisions but in Messi’s case I hope he stays with us.
“I don’t know if I have to convince Messi [to stay], whether it’s that or not. He is the best player in the world and the best player in the world you want in your team, you don’t want him playing against you.
STOP MESS-ING WITH LEO
“As a coach I would love to work with Messi because he wins matches. If he’s at the ability and level he has always shown I’d be more than happy for him to stay.”
But the latest report adds the removal of any “privileges” and Koeman being “inflexible” were enough to convince Messi to demand the club he joined 20 years ago allow him to leave.
Messi told the directors he has decided he will quit after this major fallout – with their treatment of Suarez also thought to be a contributing factor.
Ex-Liverpool star Suarez has reportedly been told by Koeman he will be sold this summer and Messi, one of his best mates, is fuming and wants out.
Former Nou Camp and Spain skipper Carles Puyol, 42, who was Messi’s club-mate for nine years, publicised his allegiance: “Respect and admiration, Leo. All my support, friend.”
Suarez, 33, responded with two emojis of clapping hands.
Koeman was brought in to replace Quique Setien by Josep Maria Bartomeu but both men are wanted out by supporters in order to keep MessiCredit: EPA
‘MESSI SI BARTO NO’
But Barcelona fans are understandably desperate for the Argentine to stay with many taking to the streets outside the Nou Camp to insist the club keep Messi.
Angry supporters congregated at the club’s stadium and protested against president Josep Maria Bartomeu, demanding his resignation.
It is understood the board will meet imminently with some colleagues calling for Bartomeu to quit from his position – and all on Messi’s side may get their wish with reports that the president will indeed step down.
Board members Jordi Moix, the economics and assets vice president, and treasurer David Bellver have already allegedly offered their resignation.
Fans made their feelings known by directing obscene gestures – aimed for Bartomeu – at the stadium as well as holding up ‘Messi 10’ replica shirts in support of their beloved hero.
Some chanted: “Bartomeu, dimissió,” meaning, “Bartomeu, dismissed.”
Others sang: “Please Messi don’t leave, we all love you here,” to the captain who joined La Masia aged 13 and has scored 634 goals for their team.
The hashtag “#MessiSiBartoNo” – literally meaning “Messi yes, Barto no” – is trending.
Guillem Balague claims Messi has a “clause that he had agreed in his last contract by which he can go for free”.
He says Barcelona believe the clause expired at the end of June, meaning Messi’s £630million buyout fee stands, but the superstar is convinced it is still active until the end of August due to the coronavirus crisis.
Manchester City are believed to be keen on the Argentine forward and there is strong interest from Inter Milan as well. Ladbrokes have City as 5/2 favourites, with Inter at 3/1, Manchester United at 6/1 and PSG at 7/1.
Barcelona fans congregated outside the Nou Camp to show their support for the club captain
Lionel Messi transfer request – Furious Barcelona fans protest against president Josep Maria Bartomeu outside Nou Camp
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
