New FC Barcelona president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, revealed in one of his first interviews, “the club will sit down and negotiate a new contract with Messi.”
Bartomeu was previously the club’s First Vice President and took over presidency from his predecessor Sandro Rosell, who resigned last week Thursday over the allegations around the Neymar transfer.
In an interview with Catalan radio station RAC1, Barca’s new president insisted that Messi “is not for sale” and unveiled that the club would be negotiating a new contract soon.
“We want to sit down, without any rush, with Leo’s father – it’s not something that’s happening tomorrow, we have plenty of time, but we will do what we have to ensure he’s the best paid player.”
Bartomeu also explained that Martin Montoya’s contract talks are almost concluded, and the club have started talks with Gerard Pique about his renewal.
The new president also admitted that before his first press conference, when he explained the full contract details of Neymar’s transfer, he spoke to the first team players: “I explained to the captains that we would be showing details of Neymar’s contract,” Bartomeu added.
“We have to be grateful to Neymar that he came here, when he could have earned more money at other clubs.”
When will Barca finally walk the talk and offer their superstar a new contract? Have your say in the comment section below.