Barcelona 'won't sell anyone' to the Premier League
Sunday 21 February 2016 20:49, UK
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu says the club is under no pressure to sell anyone and is not concerned about any player's contract running down.
It was revealed by Neymar's father in October that Manchester United had made a bid for the player in the summer transfer window, while Manchester City were linked with the Brazilian - who has a €190m release clause in his contract - in January.
But Bartomeu says Barcelona will be able to keep their star players even if they are offered world-record sums from Premier League clubs.
"We are confident because we know our players are very happy in our club, in our city," he told the Mail on Sunday.
"They enjoy sport, their profession, and they are in a group. So we are very confident those players are not moving, taking decisions because of money.
Messi said a few days ago 'Barcelona will be the only European club that I play for'. So if someone is interested in Messi, forget it.
"[Lionel] Messi said a few days ago 'Barcelona will be the only European club that I play for'. So if someone is interested in Messi, forget it. He said this. I didn't say it. He said this.
"We know Messi could earn more money in other teams, or Neymar, Busquets, Gerard Pique or Luis Suarez. Neymar, for example, when he came to Barcelona, had better offers from other teams. Suarez also had better offers.
"But they decided to come to Barcelona because I think this club attracts players, because we are more than a club."
Neymar's contract, and that of fellow Barcelona star Messi, expire in 2018 but Bartomeu is not concerned that the club has not renewed either deal yet.
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"All of our players are in a moment where we renew their contracts, we extend their contracts," he said. "Right now I don't see that any of our players have to leave next summer. I cannot tell you if we have done it or not done it.
