RONALD KOEMAN revealed he rushed to Lionel Messi’s mansion to discuss his future after taking charge of Barcelona.
The 33-year-old superstar tried to force his way out of the club after handing in a transfer request this summer.
Ronald Koeman wanted to end any speculation surrounding Lionel Messi’s futureCredit: Reuters
With his future up in the air, Koeman headed straight to Messi’s plush pad for face-to-face talks.
Speaking to Dutch source NOS, Koeman revealed: “After signing as coach, I immediately contacted Leo.
“I went to his house and talked to him about his future. His discontent was clear.
“In the end it well and from the moment he indicated he would continue, he has done everything I expect of him.”
Messi’s incredible home is just 12 miles away from Nou Camp in the exclusive suburb of Castelldefels.
He has his own football pitch, a swimming pool, an indoor and a playground for the kids.
Messi also slammed Barcelona for ‘kicking’ his close pal Luis Suarez out of the club.
Lionel Messi’s house in Spain boasts stunning sea views Credit: Refer to Caption
Suarez revealed he was made to leave the club because of his close friendship with Messi.
But in a shock revelation, Koeman has insisted the ex-Liverpool star could have stayed.
He said: “”In the case of Suarez, it had become very difficult for him to start playing and I made that known to him.
“He found it difficult, but I never had any trouble with him at all.
“He trained normally, trained well. He finally made the reason to leave and I said: ‘If you don’t leave, for whatever reason, then you are just one of the group, then you can prove that I was wrong’.
“He could have stayed, yes.”
Suarez, who scored 198 goals for the club, joined Atletico Madrid last month.
And he plans to ‘point at those responsible’ for his Barcelona exit if he scores against his former club next month.
Lionel Messi also shares his house with his ginormous pet dogCredit: Instagram @leomessi
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez reunited for first time since striker’s Barcelona axe as they arrive at airport together
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
