Josep Maria Bartomeu has always been a controversial figure in Barcelona’s history. His presidency marked the beginning of a financial crisis for the club.
After Bartomeu’s departure, Joan Laporta took over in an effort to restore stability, but he was unable to prevent Lionel Messi from leaving the club.
In a recent interview with 365Scores (via AS), Bartomeu shared his perspective on Messi’s exit and the ongoing Negreira case.
Comments on Messi’s Departure
Bartomeu was frank in attributing the blame for Messi’s departure to Laporta.
“I hold a deep admiration for Messi. When I was the club’s president, he was an invaluable asset for all of us,” he stated.
“In my opinion, letting Messi leave was the biggest mistake made by Joan Laporta, as Messi transcends being just a footballer; he is a one-of-a-kind global icon,” he added.
This isn’t the first time Bartomeu has voiced criticism of Laporta regarding Messi’s departure, even though the financial troubles leading to the Argentine’s exit began during his own administration.
Bartomeu claimed that he would have done everything possible to ensure Messi remained at the club for his entire career.
“Had I been in control at that moment, I would have never allowed his exit. I would have ensured his contract was renewed so he could finish his career at Barcelona,” he affirmed.
“His departure was a devastating blow for both the members and sponsors,” he lamented.
Bartomeu emphasized the lasting connection between Messi and the club.
“Messi will always be an ambassador for Barcelona worldwide due to his profound love for the club, and he should have stayed,” he concluded.
Comments on the Negreira Case
In addressing the Negreira case, wherein Barcelona has faced allegations regarding payments to the former vice-president of the Technical Committee of Referees, Bartomeu was unequivocal.
“Barcelona has never bribed referees. That accusation is entirely false and baseless. Those propagating these rumors are stating things that do not reflect reality. Ultimately, only the courts can deliver a final judgment on this issue,” he asserted.
“I have always believed in respecting referees and their decisions, as they are an essential and inseparable aspect of football,” he emphasized.
“Major clubs should consistently set an example in their interactions with the sport as a whole,” he added.
Praise for Hansi Flick
Bartomeu also shared his thoughts on Hansi Flick, commending the German for his accomplishments at Barcelona and advising the board to continue their support for him.
“Flick has been doing an outstanding job with the team. His consecutive league titles highlight the quality of teamwork in modern football,” he noted.
“He is a long-term manager, and I encourage the current board to provide him with their full backing,” he added.
He expressed admiration for Flick’s ability to achieve results while integrating young talent into the squad.
“Despite the departure of several big stars, he is delivering exceptional results with the younger players. Barcelona is clearly progressing under his guidance,” he stated.
“I believe Flick will remain for many years, as he aligns with the vision of winning the Champions League,” he remarked.
Reflecting on the Neymar Era
Bartomeu also spoke about the sale of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain and the subsequent signings that followed.
“Paris Saint-Germain activated Neymar’s release clause, which was at the time the highest in football history,” he explained.
“After his exit, we signed Ousmane Dembele, who I consider the best player in the world today, as well as Antoine Griezmann, he continued.
Finally, Bartomeu addressed claims that Messi had pushed for Neymar’s return.
“Messi enjoyed playing alongside Neymar and they shared a wonderful relationship both on and off the pitch,” he noted.
“However, at Barcelona, transfers are not solely decided by a single player’s preference; numerous economic and sporting factors play a role in any new acquisition,” he concluded.