Messi Upset Over Luis Suarez Departure From FC Barcelona
Lionel Messi has lashed out again against Barcelona’s board. This week he accused them of disrespecting Luis Suarez and effectively kicking him out of the club. The Uruguayan Suarez, now 33 years-old, had said he wanted to stay for Barca this season. He was willing to stay even if it meant taking on a backup role. However, after being told by new coach Ronald Koeman he was not part of his plans, Suarez eventually agreed to leave.
READ: Champions League: Man United to be at the mercy of Lionel Messi(Opens in a new browser tab)
There were rumors Suarez would join forces with Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus in Italy. That deal fell through. FC Barcelona announced on Wednesday they had agreed on a deal to transfer Suarez to La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid. Sending Suarez to a league rival not only removes Messi’s best friend from the dressing room, it further isolates their star player.
READ: Not over yet, Messi the genius football king
Messi took to Instagram to share his thoughts on Suarez, their relationship, and how difficult it will be for him without his best friend around.
Messi decided to stay at Barca this season. He said he did not want to take the club he loves to court over a contract clause his legal team believed meant he could leave for free. However, several of Messi’s closest allies at the club have left. That includes Arturo Vidal, and now his right hand man, Luis Suarez. Messi’s comments regarding Suarez are further evidence of the relationship breakdown between him and club president Josep Maria Bartomeu. The fact that the club did not choose to keep a player who is so dear to their star is a bad indicator. It all but guarantees that this will be Messi’s last year in Barcelona.