Barcelona’s Vice-President Josep Maria Bartomeu has confirmed that the club’s intention is to keep Lionel Messi with them for the rest of his career.
Reports have been floating around for the past month of the Catalans’ desire to hand their Argentine talisman another improved deal at the Camp Nou.
Asked on the rumours that the intention is to sign him to terms that could see him renew his deal through to the end of his career, Bartomeu was honest.
“We want Messi to retire at Barca,” he told Esport3 today. “He is unquestionable and has been formed at this club.”
Bartomeu declined to comment on whether or not negotiations with Messi have already begun, but did comment that discussions over Carles Puyol’s situation continue, but again with a positive mindset.
“If he wants, he can continue to work at Barcelona after he retires.”
