Details of Messi’s contract negotiations with Barca emerged in the media on Wednesday.
Barcelona have reacted to the leaked documents regarding Lionel Messi’s contract talks with the club in 2020.
The Catalans were close to tying down the Argentine icon to a new deal. However, failed contract negotiations ultimately led to Messi’s shock move to Paris Saint-Germain last summer.
El Mundo leaked Messi’s ‘nine demands‘ to renew his deal at Camp Nou on Wednesday.
The Spanish outlet claimed the new deal collapsed because of two unfulfilled requests: Reducing Messi’s €700m release clause to €10,000 and paying him a €10m renewal bonus.
The club have now issued an official statement, vowing to protect their right against individuals who have leaked the information.
“In relation to the information published in El Mundo under the title ‘Barca Leaks, the club’s secret files’, Barcelona express indignation at the intentional leaking of information that is part of a legal process,” a club statement reads.
“The club regrets that the media in question boasts of having ‘access to a huge number of documents and emails that are part of the Barcagate investigation” when this information is yet to be shared.
“In any case, the article in question makes public documents that have nothing to do with the ongoing case and their use is an affront to the reputation and confidentiality of the club.
“For that reason, and with the aim of protecting Barcelona’s rights, the club’s legal department are studying the legal measures that need to be taken.”
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