Departing Barcelona President Bartomeu wants Lionel Messi to end career at Camp Nou itself

infamous showdown between Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu and legend Lionel Messi seems to have finally heed towards an end with club chief tendering his resignation on Tuesday. Messi and Bartomeu haven't been on good terms for past season with Argentine even demanding his resignation. Despite bittersweet relationship between two, outgoing president expects six-time Ballon d'Or winner to end his career at Camp u. 

Also Re | Barcelona President Josep Bartomeu resigns ahe of confidence vote, fans celebrate

Messi key to Koeman's project: Bartomeu

As quoted by Goal, Bartomeu mits Messi might be angry with him for t allowing him to leave previous summer. But former Barcelona president insists he spoke to Argentine as well as his family to convince m to stay at Barcelona. Messi holds key to Ronald Koeman's 'project', ds Bartomeu. 

Messi took Catalonian faithful by surprise when he sent a burofax to Barcelona, asking club to allow him to leave on a free transfer. But Bartomeu refused to sanction a move for Argentina international. Inste, he held on to demand that Messi should fulfil his contractual obligations.

Moreover, he asked prospective clubs to pay his entire release clause if y wished to sign him. Ironically, Messi release clause has been estimated at €600 million. 

Also Re | Barcelona stronger legally amid Messi contract conflict, suggests Spanish lawyer

Messi contract situation worries Bartomeu, urges him to end his career at Barcelona 

Indeed, Messi has been unhappy at Barcelona for quite a while w, a fact that is t hidden from Bartomeu as well. But former Barcelona President hopes club legend is happy and goes on to extend his contract. tably, Messi is in his final season with his contract set to end in June 2021. Bartomeu also hopes Messi ends his career at club. 

Also Re | Barcelona chief Josep Maria Bartomeu reveals why he couldn’t let Lionel Messi leave

Messi and Bartomeu's conflict might end with president's resignation. He might also agree to extend his stay at club if Bartomeu's successor proposes a promising plan to sail club out of controversial waves that have hit Camp u. But, any decision should be taken soon, citing fact that club captain will be legally eligible to agree to a free transfer beginning from January 2021.

Also Re | Barcelona president Bartomeu could ask Lionel Messi to take a pay cut amid financial woes

Im courtesy: FC Barcelona Twitter