Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi walks on the pitch during the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Valencia CF at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on December 19, 2020. (Photo by LLUIS GENE / AFP)
Former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu says he is not responsible for leaking Lionel Messi’s Barcelona contract to the press.
The Argentine’s pay details were leaked to El Mundo over the weekend, which caused something of a stir around the Camp Nou, as only a very select number of people could have been responsible for the leak.
In the story which appeared in El Mundo on Sunday, it was suggested that the 550million euros Messi stands to earn from his current contract with Barcelona threatens to ‘ruin’ the club financially.
Bartomeu has now absolved himself of any blame in the issue.
“It’s a very serious issue and it’s totally illegal to leak professional contracts,” Bartomeu told Esport3, denying his involvement.
“Speaking on TV and making accusations is easy, but it’s not a joke and this will end up in court.”
Continuing, the former president defended Messi’s salary and its viability pre-COVID-19.
“By the way, Leo deserves what he earns,” Bartomeu added. “Both for professional and commercial reasons.
“Without the pandemic, Barcelona could easily pay those figures.”
Messi has already handed the situation over to his lawyers.
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