Josep Maria Bartomeu's name doesn't exactly spark fond memories for Barcelona fans. Accused of corruption and financial mismanagement, the former president remains one of the most controversial figures in the club's modern history. But he's never been shy about speaking his mind.
In a recent interview with Cadena SER, Bartomeu opened up about Lionel Messi's time at the club, the infamous Negreira case, and the decisions that still haunt him. And as always, he didn't hold back.
On Messi's departure and what could have been
Bartomeu stood firm on his decision to keep Messi at Barcelona despite the Argentine's famous burofax requesting to leave in 2020. "I'm very happy that Messi stayed with us; I would have kept him until the Qatar World Cup," he said, revealing that contract renewal talks were already in motion.
"I tried to renew Leo Messi's contract; it was essential to maintain our income level and because we were missing that player who brings a higher level of performance," he added.
Bartomeu also dropped a fascinating nugget: discussions about Messi and Luis Suarez heading to Miami had started long before the move eventually became reality. "There had already been talk of a stint in Miami with both Messi and Luis Suarez," he said.
Looking at the current squad, Bartomeu offered a telling reflection. "All these young players on the team, with Leo, would have learned faster. They are learning a lot, but they would have done so more quickly." He added, "One or two more seasons at Barça, at least until the World Cup, would have been very positive for Barça. He won a World Cup and another Ballon d'Or, and we couldn't enjoy him as Barça fans; PSG did."
On the Negreira case
When it came to the Negreira scandal, Bartomeu was equally firm in distancing the club from any wrongdoing. He insisted Barcelona simply paid a company that produced reports, and that the service had nothing to do with influencing refereeing decisions.
"The reporting service has nothing to do with whether Barça had better or worse refereeing," he stated.
Whether you agree with him or not, Bartomeu's words offer a rare glimpse into the inner workings of one of football's most turbulent eras. For fans still wondering what could have been, his reflections on Messi's final years at the club hit especially hard.