FC Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has reportedly stated that he is willing to resign from his position at the top of the club if star player Leo Messi commits to staying at Barça.
Messi announced earlier in the week in a fax to the club that his intention was to search for a new club after a season full of turmoil in Barcelona.
The Argentinian star is reportedly frustrated with the team’s board after yet another season full of disappointment. Barcelona failed to win a single title this season and ended their year in humiliating fashion, bowing out to Bayern Munich 8-2 in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Messi had a public falling-out with former sporting director Eric Abidal earlier this season, a Bartomeu ally. He has reportedly made the decision to leave Barcelona not only based on problems on the field, but also due to a wide range of disagreements with Bartomeu and the current board.
While elections are currently due to take place next March for the club’s board, Bartomeu would be willing to leave office even sooner if doing so would allow Messi to stay at the club.
No immediate comment has been made by Messi’s camp, but this news adds yet another twist in the ongoing saga of Messi’s potential Barcelona exit.
