Jeremy Mathieu has accused Valencia President Amadeo Salvo of breaking a promise to let him leave in the face of Barcelona’s interest.
The Catalans have made repeated offers for Mathieu, all so far rejected by Los Che. Barca are understood to be reluctant to trigger the captain’s release clause and Mathieu has released a statement in which he claims he and Salvo had an agreement.
“I want to step out of various reports that have come in the Press. At no time did I intend to get into a confrontation with Valencia due to the love and respect that I have for the club and its magnificent fans,” he wrote, according to Marca.
“[Moving to Barca] is a reward for my hard work, my effort, and is a unique opportunity that any player would like to take.
“I came to Valencia for five seasons and this move would be a benefit to all parties involved. I think it’s time to step up and close a cycle in a team I will always carry in my heart and I will always be grateful no matter what.
“I ask Valencia and the President, who understands the situation, to negotiate my way out now I have the opportunity to play for the world’s largest club and that’s all I want now. I can’t forget all Valencia have given me and I want to leave in the best way possible.
“When I renewed with Valencia last season, the President promised me a way out if there was a good deal for me, as is currently the case.
“I always carry Valencia in my heart and on my skin but I would like to experience this challenge, which is the culmination of my career.”
