Lionel Messi has hit back at Joan Laporta's "hurtful" remarks after he claimed he wanted the striker to play for free as the fallout from his Barcelona exit continues.
The Argentine had spent his entire career at the Nou Camp, a period that spanned almost two decades.
But his contract renewal coincided with huge financial problems for the Catalans, whose debts exceed £1bn after they recorded a loss of £409m for last season.
Messi was unable to sign an extension as a result and bid his farewells in an emotional press conference earlier this year.
The 34-year-old moved to PSG on a free and will spend at least the next two years in Paris.
Laporta, who sacked Ronald Koeman last week, is overseeing a major transitional phase at the Nou Camp and had hoped Messi would stay and play for nothing.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Will Messi win the Champions League at Barcelona ? Comment below
The Argentine has hit back though, insisting he did everything he could to remain a Barcelona player.
He told Spanish newspaper Sport : "The truth is that, as I explained when I left, I did everything possible to stay.
"I was never asked to play for free. I was asked to pay my salary with fifty percent. I did that without any problem. That's how I wanted to help Barcelona.
"It was my and my family's desire to stay in Barcelona. The president's words were really not okay. They hurt me.
"It felt like Laporta took the ball from me but then didn't know what to do with it. He just didn't have to say those things. Now people may think I've caused doubt. I don't deserve that."
Messi is now part of a star studded PSG line-up that includes Neymar and Kylian Mbappe in attack.
The Argentine has scored three times in eight outings, but is yet to open his account in Ligue 1.
Already he has spoken of his desire to return to Barcelona once he retires and take up a role that would allow him to benefit his former team.
Who is currently the best manager in the world? Take part in our survey below.
Messi claimed: "I've always said I'd like to come back and help the club in any way I could. I want to be useful, to help. So that it goes well with Barcelona.
"I think it would be nice to be technical director, but I'm not sure if I can get that role and if I can get it at Barca. But if there's an opportunity, I'm definitely open to it.
"I love Barcelona, really hope the club gets healthy again and continues to be one of the best in the world."
