Lionel Messi sends sacked Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde emotional message
Lionel Messi has sent the sacked Barcelona manager, Ernesto Valverde, a heart-warming message on Instagram, after the Catalans confirmed the appointment of Quique Setien as the new Camp Nou boss.
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Lionel Messi has thanked Ernesto Valverde for being a great professional and a great person, after he was sacked as the Barcelona manager. Valverde left the Nou Camp after losing to Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Supercup, and was replaced by former Real Betis manager Quique Setien.
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Valverde thanked the fans for their affection during his spell in charge at Barcelona.
He also wished the best of luck to the next manager, Setien, in a message he wrote to the fans on Tuesday morning.
“Dear Barça fans, my time as FC Barcelona coach has come to an end,” wrote Valverde.
“It has been an intense two and a half years right from the start.
Lionel Messi: The forward thanked Valverde on Instagram, and wished him all the best (Image: Instagram (@leomessi))
“In that time I have enjoyed some joyful moments celebrating victories and trophies but also others that have been tough and difficult.
“However, above all I would like to highlight my experience with the fans and the affection showed towards me during my time as coach.
“I would like to thank the president Josep Maria Bartomeu and the Board of Directors for giving me the opportunity to coach the first team and their confidence during all this time.
“I would also like to thank all the people I have worked with at the Club for their support and how they treated me during the two and a half seasons, especially those who work in and around the first team and with whom I have shared so many moments at the Ciutat Esportiva and during away trips.
“Of course, I would like to thank the players for all their efforts that have allowed us to claim four trophies together.
“From this day, I wish them all the luck in the world and to the new coach Quique Setién also.All the best to everyone. Visca Barça and Visca Catalonia.”
Setien takes over as the new manager ahead of Sunday’s home match against Granada in La Liga.
He then faces a trip to Ibiza in the Copa Del Rey on Wednesday next week.