Neymar says Barcelona president Bartomeu is a ‘joke’ as Lionel Messi stalls on new contract
Fallout continues over Brazilian’s move to Paris Saint-Germain as club insist Messi will sign extension to deal that runs out in 2018
Neymar has continued his war of words with Barcelona’s beleaguered board.
In interviews with Catalan newspapers Mundo Deportivo and Sport, club president Josep Maria Bartomeu said Barca would be better off without Neymar this season following his world record €222 million (HK$2.069 billion) move to Paris Saint-Germain.
“This president is a joke,” Neymar replied in a comment about the news on social media site Instagram.
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With Bartomeu’s handling of Barca’s haphazard transfer policy being heavily criticised, he had described the loss of Neymar as an “opportunity” for the club to rebuild their midfield rather than pile resources into a superstar front three of Neymar, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
“The trident was very good but it had its consequences,” Bartomeu told Sport.
“It is an opportunity to return to the collective football in the middle of the field, which traditionally was Barca’s strength.