Josep Maria Bartomeu insists there is no chance of Lionel Messi quitting Barcelona and nor has he asked for a new contract.
Messi made comments in the week that appeared to hint he could look to leave Camp Nou and it has been speculated that the forward’s camp were angling for a new and improved contract.
But Bartomeu has given a television interview in which he discussed a number of topics, the future of the Argentine chief among them.
“Leo is delighted at our club. His father told me so, although he is under great pressure for non-sporting reasons,” Bartomeu told 8TV, AS reports.
“He hasn’t asked for a renewed contract. No, no. He’s happy. This club has always helped the player, like Pep Guardiola said a few years ago. Leo should be happy at Barca.
“People are more concerned with Messi’s vomiting than his records. They want to beat him off the pitch. On it, he’s No.1.”
Bartomeu was also asked about Thomas Vermaelen, who has yet to appear for La Blaugrana since a summer move from Arsenal.
“We knew he was injured when we signed him. He’s now available for the Coach,” Bartomeu confirmed.
