Barcelona are not worried about Lionel Messi’s contractual situation at the club and will renew his deal ‘when the time is right’.
The Argentine star is out of contract at the Camp Nou in the summer of 2021 but club president Josep Maria Bartomeu insists they will not rush a decision to renew.
“Of course, we want Messi to remain and play at the club for many more years,” Bartomeu told Cadena Cope in a wide-ranging interview.
“His contract has two more years on his contract but if you look at his performances, it is natural we want that to continue much longer.
“But he is a very intelligent person and will not rush into anything, we know he feels good at the moment and when he wants to renew, we will talk – we will do it when the time is right.
“Ivan Rakitic? He is aware that the club has a budget and when we are in a position to meet with him and talk about a renewal, we will do it.
“Neymar? Neither him nor his father have called since he left the club, those reports are not true.
“Ernesto Valverde’s future if we win no trophies? We want him to continue, he is doing an excellent job as Coach and is bringing young players through.
“Matthijs de Ligt? I have a good relationship with Mino Raiola (his agent) and I met him in 2010, he is funny and demanding, but moves are about a sports project more than money.
“El Clasico? There is no favourite, both teams are at a very high level.”
