Forward is into penultimate year of his contract and can leave the Nou Camp for free next summer
Saturday 7 September 2019 15:29, UK
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu says he is relaxed about Lionel Messi’s future – despite the forward being able to leave for nothing next June.
The Argentinian is under contract until 2021 but has a clause inserted in his deal which could see him leave the Nou Camp for nothing from the end of the season.
But Bartomeu remains unconcerned, claiming the situation is normal for any player of legendary status at the club.
Speaking to Barca TV, Bartomeu said: "Messi signed until 2021. It was agreed that at the end of the penultimate season he is at liberty to leave for free.
"He has earned that freedom to decide his future, but he is very Cule (Barcelona fan) and I am calm.
"Xavi, [Andres] Iniesta and [Carles] Puyol all had the same clause and we couldn't give Messi a different clause, but I repeat, I am in no doubt he will stay for many years."
It has led to the Spanish champions completing three of the six most expensive ever transfers over recent years
Antoine Griezmann joined previously-signed pair Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele at the Nou Camp this summer - although the Brazilian midfielder has since left for a loan spell at Bayern Munich.
Messi is yet to feature for Barcelona this season due to injury but is expected to return against Valencia after the international break.
