Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu admits Lionel Messi’s release clause “had to be modified” after it was raised from €300m to €700m.
Neymar’s Barca renewal last year included a €222m release clause, but that did not deter Paris Saint-Germain from making him the world’s most expensive player, and Bartomeu hinted the saga forced the Catalans to revise the No 10’s before he signed on until 2021.
“It’s a great contract for the best player in football history. It fills me with pride to see him with us renewing his love for the club,” Bartomeu told the club’s official website.
“It’s a new contract that we have signed today, because although the one we signed in June was up to par with his greatness as a player, the new one is more in line with the current situation in the ever-changing world of football.
“The buyout clause had to be modified, and it has gone from €300m to €700m.”
