Josep Maria Bartomeu has responded to Daniel Alves' claims that he wouldn't have returned to the club if the former Barcelona president was still in charge.
The 38-year-old signed for Barcelona in November becoming Xavi's first signing after he replaced Ronald Koeman as coach. In an interview this week, Alves stated he would never have re-signed for Barca if Bartomeu had been in charge.
However a text conversation, allegedly leaked by Bartomeu, has done the rounds on social media suggesting Alves had begged to return to the club in 2019.
The conversation, which was reportedly shared with journalists in Spain, reads as follows:
Alves: "Mr president, how are you? I want to come back home and play the 2022 World Cup as a Barca player. Let's leave pride aside. We both need each other!"
Bartomeu replied: "Hey Dani. No problem, but the technical staff has to agree. Did you speak to [Eric] Abidal? Big hug. Barto."
Alves then commented: "I can speak to him if you want!"
It shows the conversation to have taken place on May 18, 2019 - just 11 days after the Catalan giants were knocked out of the Champions League semi-finals after a 4-0 loss to Liverpool.
The Brazilian has since responded to the leaked conversation with a cryptic tweet, which said: "For those who actually do care about Barca, we would do whatever it takes.
"Life knows what everyone deserves. Sorry... thanks."
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