FC Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has rubbished recent reports suggesting that Argentina star Lionel Messi is considering leaving the Catalan club.
It has been rumoured that Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City are all keen on bringing the 28-year-old to the Premier League, despite the player being contracted to his club until 2018.
"People who say Messi is leaving Barcelona should be embarrassed," Bartomeu told 8TV.
"Leo and his father said they don't imagine playing at another club than Barcelona.
"The relationship with the family is very good. We are not in the negotiation phase yet; when the time comes it will be presented. He has a contract for the next three seasons.
"Messi is very angry about the Spanish taxation. It is not normal, the information published on Leo Messi.
"If his tax advisers have made a mistake, they have to pay like everyone else. Messi deserves respect."
Bartomeu did, however, confirm that Barcelona were in the process of working on a new deal for Brazil captain Neymar.
"On the renewal of Neymar, this is the season of his renewal, yes," he said.
"But, of course, we try not to relay the negotiations and work quietly to be able to announce the extension of his contract."
Messi & Pep To Reunite In EPL?
Barcelona, who will be without Messi yet again, face Villanovense in the Copa del Rey round of 32 on Wednesday night.
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