'It would have been possible to renew Lionel Messi' - Bartomeu makes Barcelona claim

"Bartomeu argues that if things had been handled correctly, 'it would have been perfectly possible to renew Leo Messi and sign players.' He believes the current board's claims about financial losses are exaggerated."

"He expressed fatigue over being blamed for the club's current issues, stating that Joan Laporta has used his presidency as a shield for his own decisions, which he finds unjust five years after leaving."

"Bartomeu pointed to his sporting record of thirteen titles in six years and a profit of over 100 million euros prior to the pandemic as evidence against claims of his poor management."

"When confronted with the label of being the worst president in the club's history, Bartomeu finds the claim almost humorous, noting the mixed reactions he receives from fans."

Josep Maria Bartomeu, former president of FC Barcelona, has returned to public discourse to defend his tenure from 2014 to 2020. He dismisses the notion that his management is responsible for the club's financial troubles, criticizing the current board for using his legacy as an excuse. Bartomeu disputes claims regarding Lionel Messi's exit, asserting that proper management could have allowed for his renewal. He also challenges the reported financial losses, suggesting they were inflated, and reflects on the mixed public perception of his presidency, despite his record of success.

Read at Barca Blaugranes