Reports of Lionel Messi quitting Barcelona embarrassing: Josep Maria Bartomeu

Lionel Messi is currently embroiled in a tax evasion row

Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu has hit out at reports surrounding star player Lionel Messi claiming that he has been contemplating a move away from the La Liga giants. There has been constant speculation in the media regarding the Argentine’s future at the Camp Nou and it has only gained momentum in the past couple of weeks.

The Barcelona icon has been freshly linked with a move to the Premier League with both Chelsea and Manchester United reportedly interested in securing his services.

Barcelona president Bartomeu, who won the club’s Presidential elections earlier in June this year, was understandably livid with rumours regarding their most priced asset.

"People who say Messi is leaving Barcelona should be embarrassed,” the Barca chief told 8TV.

He further added that Messi is on the road to recovery from his injury and is hoping to make himself available for the crucial tie against bitter rivals Real Madrid next month.

"Messi is recovering for the Madrid-Barcelona game. He is hoping to play El Clasico, but injuries have their process.”

Messi angry with Spanish taxation: Bartomeu

Messi and his father are currently facing investigations regarding tax irregularities by the Spanish authorities and the long drawn legal battle is speculated to have got the Argentine sensation to consider moving away from Spain.

But Bartomeu was quick to abolish the notion and has claimed that the matter has not made Messi reconsider his future in Catalunya. He also defended the star over the alleged tax irregularities.

"Leo and his father said they don't imagine being at another club. The relationship with the family is very good. We are not in the negotiation phase yet, when the time comes it will be presented.

"He has a contract for the next three seasons. Messi is very angry about the Spanish taxation. It is not normal, the information published on Leo Messi. If his tax advisers have made a mistake they have to pay like everyone else. Messi deserves respect as all do."

The Barca superstar who is currently out injured still has three years left on his contract.