Candidates For Barca President Will Not Force Messi To Stay At The Camp Nou

Lionel Messi (Photo: BRAND)

JAKARTA - Barcelona presidential candidate Pere Riera promised not to put Lionel Messi's future above the club's future.

Messi was involved in a bitter conflict with his club last summer after his transfer request was turned down.

Riera announced her candidacy for the upcoming presidential election at Camp Nou shortly after the resignation of Josep Maria Bartomeu.

"In my opinion, Messi should stay at Barcelona and not with his history," Riera told Radio MARCA, Tuesday, November 3.

"It's not good for anyone," continued Riera.

"In the end, Messi decides (his future). I doubt very much that Messi wants to leave Barcelona (in the summer).

"(But) I'm not going to try hard to (keep) Messi."

As is known Josep Maria Bartomeu resigned from the presidency of Barca last week. All other club officials also followed the steps taken by Bartomeu.

Bartomeu's decision came after months of criticism after Barcelona were humiliated by Bayern Munich 2-8 in the Champions League, as well as Lionel Messi's shocking request to leave the club shortly thereafter.

Although Messi ultimately decided to stay, Bartomeu has been asked to leave his post by supporters over the past few months.

Bartomeu officially has a term until next year, with presidential elections being held in March but club members are calling for a vote of no confidence in an attempt to overthrow him immediately.

Bartomeu ended his time at Barca after nearly seven years in the top position at the Catalan club.