Barcelona announced the appointment of Dutchman Ronald Koeman as the new manager of the club following the sacking Quique Setien and moved quickly to quell rumours that star man Lionel Messi may leave the club this summer.

The Argentine has been disappointed by the performance of the club in recent years, especially with how the club is currently run. Speculations have linked him away from Nou Camp with the likes of Inter Milan, Juventus and Manchester City said to be monitoring his situation and ready to bid for his services.

However, Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has addressed the situation by revealing that the new manager is already planning rebuilding the team with Messi as the centerpiece.

“He wants to end his playing career at Barcelona,” Bartomeu said about Messi in an interview with Barca TV. “Koeman is saying that the pillar of his project is Leo Messi.

“He has a contract until 2021. I talk to him regularly and he knows there’s a project with a new coach here. We’re all disappointed at the moment, but we’re motivated by the new project.betpay & google ads

“His father told me that there was a strong disappointment. This is correct, but since Sunday we have to think about the future. It’s about changing the mentality.”

Barcelona were bungled out of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal by Bayern Munich courtesy an 8-2 thumping.

source:- fcnaija