Barcelona presidentJosep Maria Bartomeu has eased steadily growing nerves among supporters over Lionel Messi's protracted contract negotiations by saying that he will personally see to it that the deal is signed.
Speaking toSpanish TVbefore Barcelona's 5-0 destruction of Las Palmas, Bartomeu said:There are no nerves at all. I want to reassure everyone. I will handle the talks in person to ensure Messi stays here," Bartomeu explained.
And he added: "Everything will be done with discretion. He's the best player in the world, we want him to stay here and we're working on that. We're talking with his people, we want him to stay here and he wants to stay.
President Bartomeu: Messi extending his contract is essential for the Club https://t.co/awrLEFdnZR pic.twitter.com/gAbbVKLlTE
It is an essential renewal for the club. The sooner it's finalised, the better. We will do whatever it takes. All parties want to come to an agreement, so there has to be a happy ending. Hopefully he retires at the club.
He added:So I want to reassure the supporters that there are no nerves. We are very aware of what is at stake.�
Messi's current deals expires in 2018 and the club hopes to secure the long-term future of the 29-year-old Argentine, after renewing the contracts of fellow star players Luis Suarez and Neymar, who are now tied down until 2021.
Messi scored during Barca's 5-0 rout of Las Palmas - his 13th goal in 12 games for the Blaugrana. The club dismissed Pere Gratacos from his director role on Friday after sayingMessi "would not be as good without without [Andres] Iniesta, Neymar and [Gerard] Pique."
Lionel Messi has now scored against all 19 clubs currently in #LaLiga.
Ridiculous record. pic.twitter.com/W7mE6cOtAz