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Barcelona news: Lionel Messi sides with Gerard Pique in Antoine Griezmann transfer fight
BARCELONA star Lionel Messi reportedly sides with Gerard Pique after the club criticised him for playing a role in Antoine Griezmann’s decision to stay at Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona star Messi wanted Griezmann to join him at the Nou Camp, with the France international widely tipped to leave Atletico Madrid.
However, in a sensational twist, the forward has ended up staying and signing a new contract.
Griezmann announced his decision to snub Barcelona in a video produced by one of Pique’s companies.
That saw Barcelona vice-president Jordi Mestre criticise the club’s defender, saying: "The president spoke to Gerard Pique to tell him his involvement had generated surprise and unease at the club and among many Barca fans.”
Pique then hit back by saying: “I’m surprised by the reaction of the people of Barcelona, who doubt my commitment and love I have for this club.
“It is very surprising. It’s one of my companies (which produced the video) but the idea is several weeks old.
“I spoke with Griezmann. He told me there was a possibility he would go to Barcelona. I told him we were going to film, that it would be very good content for people to see from the inside how such a decision is made.
“From there I obviously moved away. Yesterday morning I was called to tell me that the show would be broadcast in the evening. Finally, he said he was staying. It’s like that: he stays.
“I don’t give any advice. I only put cameras there so that we knew what was happening.
“When I knew things, I told people at the club. There have not been two versions of the end (of the video) recorded.
Antoine Griezmann announces he’s staying with Atletico
“I don’t know who said that. It’s a new concept and the novelties are always being debated.
“It’s good that people feel close to the player. Finally, he does not come but other players will come… I did not betray Barca.”
And Spanish outlet Don Balon say Messi sides with Pique.
It is said the Barcelona No 10 feels as though the club were merely criticising the Spaniard to cover their own failings.
And he reportedly lays blame for Griezmann’s failed move firmly at the door of club president Josep Maria Bartomeu.