Friday, 21st November, 2014
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has refuted claims about Lionel Messi leaving the club, insisting that the Argentine is happy with the Catalan giants.
Messi, who moved through the ranks at Barcelona, recently revealed that although he loved the club and wished to retire at the Camp Nou, he could not rule out the possibility of a future move.
The Barcelona president though has now poured cold water onto speculation about Messi leaving the club, insisting that he has already spoken to the Argentine's father and the player is happy at Barcelona.
Bartomeu also took time to add that the 27-year-old is under a lot of pressure off the field and there is no reason to worry about all the comments that he makes.
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"Leo is under a lot of pressure off the field", Bartomeu told 8TV.
"I spoke with his father, Jorge, two days ago and my impression is that nothing has changed.
"He is happy at Barca, and his comments say that clearly – he wants to win everything.
"He has not asked us for a new contract. No, no. He is happy. From inside the club we will always help the player.
"[Pep] Guardiola already said it a few years ago, Leo must be happy at Barca."
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