Lionel Messi: Luis Suarez should not have been 'pushed out' of Barcelona
Messi: "You [Suarez] deserved a fitting farewell for the person that you are: one of the best players in the club's history, having achieved incredible things both individually and collectively"
Friday 25 September 2020 12:54, UK
Lionel Messi has aimed fresh criticism at the Barcelona hierarchy, following his team-mate Luis Suarez's departure from the club to Atletico Madrid.
La Liga rivals Atletico are set to sign Uruguay international striker Suarez for £5.5m after the two clubs agreed a fee for the 33-year-old.
New Barcelona head coach Ronald Koeman told Suarez last month that he was not part of his plans for the 2020/21 season.
Suarez was tearful as he said goodbye at a press conference on Thursday, revealing that he felt "proud" of the attacking partnership and friendship he cultivated with Messi during his six-year stay in Catalonia.
Messi, who came close to leaving the Nou Camp earlier in the transfer window before reversing his threat to end his contract unilaterally, has hit out at the club's management of Suarez's departure from the Spanish giants.
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He wrote on Instagram: "You deserved a fitting farewell for the person that you are: one of the best players in the club's history, having achieved incredible things both individually and collectively.
"You didn't deserve to be pushed out the way they did, but the truth is nothing surprises me any more.
"I was gradually accepting it, but when I got into the dressing room today, how hard it's going to be to no longer have you around in the day-to-day on and off the pitch really dawned on me.
"We're going to miss you so much. It's been so many years, so many mates (a tea-like drink), lunches, dinners… There are so many things that will never be forgotten after being together every day.
"It will be strange to see you in another kit and even more so to play against you...
"I wish you all the best for your new challenge. Sending love to you and your family. See you soon, mate."
Suarez was close to agreeing terms with Italian champions Juventus, before an agreement was reached with Atletico, but delays in obtaining Italian citizenship held up a potential transfer to Serie A.
His move to Juventus fell through, and Alvaro Morata has since re-joined the club on a season-long loan from Atletico.
Suarez leaves Barcelona as the club's third-highest scorer of all-time after scoring 198 goals, he won 13 major trophies since arriving from Liverpool for £74m in 2014.
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