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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Rich Jones

Lionel Messi sends message to Ronald Koeman as he confirms Barcelona stay

Lionel Messi has confirmed he will stay at Barcelona in an explosive interview regarding his future.

After a chaotic few weeks, Messi has claimed president Josep Maria Bartomeu went back on his word and denied him his desire to depart the Nou Camp.

He has confirmed that he will stay put as he looks to move on from the conflict with new manager Ronald Koeman in charge.

Messi snubbed Koeman's first few days of training as the saga rumbled on and he became locked in talks with the club involving his father and agent, Jorge Messi, after he flew in from Argentina.

But Messi has now vowed to put the saga behind him and give his all to bring glory back to Barcelona on the pitch under the guidance of club legend Koeman.

“I will continue at Barça and my attitude will not change no matter how much I have wanted to go," he told Goal.

Lionel Messi has confirmed he will stay at Barcelona (AFP via Getty Images)

"I will do my best. I always want to win, I'm competitive and I don't like to lose anything. I always want the best for the club, for the dressing room and for myself.

"I said it at the time that it was not giving us to win the Champions League. Actually, now I don't know what will happen. There is a new coach and a new idea.

"That's good, but then we have to see how the team responds and whether or not it will give us to compete. What I can say is that I'm staying and I'm going to give my best."

Koeman has taken over as new Barcelona manager (NurPhoto/PA Images)

“I felt a lot of pain that my Barcelonism was doubted, with how grateful I am to this club," he added.

"I love him and I'm not going to be better here than anywhere. Still I have the right to decide. I was going to look for new goals and new challenges.

"And tomorrow I could go back, because here in Barcelona I have everything. My son, my family, grew up here and are from here. There was nothing wrong with leaving at that time. I needed it, the club needed it and it was good for everyone "

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