Disappointment & surprise: How Barça reacted to Arthur's rebellion

Disappointment & surprise: How Barça reacted to Arthur's rebellion

Arthur, nuevo jugador de la Juventus / | Perform

The midfielder is in his homeland and does not want to come back to the club

It has been a long and difficult season for Barcelona. The team has had to deal with all types of hurdles and on Monday there was more conflict as preparation for the Champions League began: Arthur Melo didn't turn up for coronavirus testing and told the club he is in Brazil and has decided he would not play for the club again. 

Barça urged the player and his entourage to reconsider that stance because he did not have the club's permission. They suggested he return to Barcelona as soon as possible to avoid punishment. But it seems Arthur has no intention of coming back, so he will not be available for the game against Napoli next weekend at Camp Nou. 

Pie de foto | AUTOR FOTO

A SURREAL DAY 

Arthur told Barça on Sunday night that he didn't want to play for the club anymore. He argued he has not been treated well since his move to Juventus was confirmed -- and before -- and that the club has not been fair with him. 

On Monday, not only did he not turn up at the training ground for the latest round of coronavirus testing, but he was located on holiday in his native Brazil. Arthur took advantage of the days off granted to the team by Quique Setien to take a mini-break in Ibiza before heading to his homeland, convinced that he will not return to Barcelona. 

Barça are disappointed with the player's attitude since he signed for Juve, but felt he could be a key player in the Champions League if he was sufficiently motivated. 

Both Juve and Barça are clear that he's breaching his contract, so he could be heavily fined. 

Barcelona's legal team are looking into the situation, although it's unlikely now that an amicable solution will be reached between the two parties. Everything indicates that Arthur's time at Camp Nou is up. 

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