Ramon Planes answers questions on Leo Messi Barca exit
Bartomeu did not speak so Planes spoke alongside Trincao at his presentation
Ramon Planes, Barcelona's new sporting director, spoke alongside Trincao at his presentation and was asked about Lionel Messi's future. Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu was at the event but did not come to the press conference.
"The truth is that it was important news but we think and we have always done, the coach, the president and I, that Messi is the future of the Barcelona under construction. To build another winning cycle beside the best in the world and in football history. We have to look at all conclusions from what happened and the idea is to construct a winning team around the best player in the world," he explained.
"We aren't thinking Messi will leave on a contractual level. We want him to stay. We have great respect for him, the best in the world, the best in history. The future is positive, we have to speak with optimism. We have to construct the Barcelona that we want, that's our idea. He's given a lot to Barca. It's a marriage that has given a lot.
"We're working on constructing the new Barca. All the incorporations are to make a winning, youthful team, we are regenerating, accompanied by great players and with respect for those who have given so much. We cannot enter into a public dispute between Leo and Barca, neither side deserves that. We will work to create a winning Barcelona.
"There's no division in the board about the future of Messi, we all want to enjoy Leo. Nobody has told us that Messi will not come to training next week. All that has to be spoken about will be done internally. We have respect for Messi and will not reveal the negotiations."
