Messi Moves To Avoid Bitter Exit From Barca

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  • Seeks meeting with Club’s Board
  • To leave Camp Nou on good terms
Koeman to handle Barca without Messi?

The Argentine superstar and reigning World footballer of the year, Lionel Messi remains determined to part ways with FC Barcelona, his boyhood and only club since turning professional over 20 years ago

Having handed in a transfer request, reports hints that the Barcelona captain is seeking to patch things up with those in charge at Camp Nou.

According to reports on Goal.com, the Argentine wants to meet with the Board so that the eventual divorce between him and the club will not be rancorous.

Messi had on Tuesday, August 25, 2020 told the club he wants to leave after nearly 20 years at Camp Nou, having come through their La Masia academy and emerged as one of the world’s best players.

The situation between him and the club has deteriorated massively in recent months, with the player angry over the decisions made under president Josep Maria Bartomeu, such as the sale of Neymar and their refusal to buy him back, and the sacking of manager Ernesto Valverde earlier this season.

The humiliating 8-2 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals earlier this month proved to be the final straw, and Messi submitted written notice to Bartomeu on Tuesday via burofax that he wants to go.

It initially appeared Messi would look to activate a clause in his contract that would allow him to terminate his deal with Barcelona and walk away for free. That clause expired earlier this year, but it was rumoured the player’s legal team would argue it was valid until the end of the 2019-20 season, which was extended because of the coronavirus pandemic.

But Club’s sources said the Skipper is requesting a meeting with the Board to negotiate his departure and exit on good terms, rather than doing so unilaterally.

Reports further confirmed that the player loathes an extended public war with the club, with the shock of his declaration of wanting to depart already causing controversy in the Catalan capital.

Fans and supporters have protested outside Camp Nou, demanding the resignation of Bartomeu, while the club’s socios – board members and official fan groups have brought a vote of no confidence against the president.

Goal.com learnt that in requesting to meet with the Club’s representatives, the Argentine star wants to get his exit back on track in a civilised manner and to not abruptly end his contract, amid rising tension in recent days.

Messi recently indicated plans to break his silence and explain reasons for requesting to leave Barcelona, but there is no exact date for that to happen and it will not be imminent.

Reports said the Argentine intends to give his version of events when the entire situation clears up, and also send a message to Barcelona fans before bidding Camp Nou his final goodbye. – Additional reports from Goal.com

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