JAKARTA - Arthur Melo told Barcelona he had no intention of playing for the Catalan club again.
Following his transfer to Juventus, coach Quique Setien stopped relying on the Brazilian midfielder in the final matches of La Liga. Arthur was not happy with the treatment.
Arthur has not appeared after the Barcelona squad's holiday ended following a failed La Liga season. In fact, he and other players are required to be present to undergo the COVID-19 test.
All Los Blaugrana players returned and passed the COVID-19 test on Monday.
Arthur also requested that Barcelona cut what was left of his contract - until the end of the Champions League - and are currently in talks to do so.
The club says Arthur is still a Barcelona player and given he gave no word on Monday, the club will take disciplinary action.
Arthur has made it clear to the club that he doesn't want to wear the Barcelona shirt anymore. The reason is, he felt forced out of Camp Nou when he showed he wanted to stay there.
If Arthur does not rejoin his Barcelona team-mates for the Champions League tie against Napoli, Setien will have problems in terms of stock.
Among the injured and punished players, in midfield there are only Frenkie de Jong and Sergi Roberto as first team players.
Arthur is doubtful about playing in that match. However, his absence - at least on the bench for emergencies - could be a problem for the Blaugrana.
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