""I'm very happy that Messi stayed with us; I would have kept him until the Qatar World Cup. 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.""
""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. One or two more seasons at Barça, at least until the World Cup, would have been very positive for Barça.""
""I had already discussed a stint in Miami with both Messi and Luis Suarez long before it eventually happened. We couldn't enjoy him as Barça fans; PSG did.""
""We only paid a company that produced reports in the Negreira case, and I firmly distance the club from any wrongdoing regarding those payments.""
Josep Maria Bartomeu, former president of Barcelona, defends his tenure amid corruption allegations. He expresses satisfaction with Messi's decision to stay, emphasizing the importance of his presence for the club's performance and income. Bartomeu reveals prior discussions about Messi and Suarez moving to Miami. He believes Messi's extended stay would have benefited the young squad. Regarding the Negreira case, Bartomeu claims the club's payments were for legitimate reports, distancing the club from any wrongdoing.
Read at Barca Universal
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