Bartomeu's surprising comments about Xavi, Iniesta and Messi
He told the New York Times that those players were a problem
Bartomeu's words have been criticised on social media
FC Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has caused controversy on social media with some quotes to the New York Times. Bartomeu tried to explain the importance of players like Xavi, Iniesta and Messi but ended up saying "Xavi, Iniesta, Messi and the rest are a problem."
The Barcelona chief was explaining why it was hard for La Masia players to come through. "It's difficult to be a player, and when you have Leo Messi, Neymar, Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets or Pique in front of you, it's very complicated to play here. Xavi was in the first team for 15 years. In this period 15 boys who played in his position had to leave the club," he explained.
"Xavi was in the first team for 15 years. Those 15 years mean that 15 boys that played in his position had to leave the club. Iniesta, now, I think it is 16 or 17 years. It is very difficult. Or Leo Messi? Who is going to be the new Messi? Well, probably, other players will be Messi, but they have to leave our club because it is impossible. Xavi said 'go slowly', but the problem is Xavi! He created the problem. And Iniesta and Piqué. They created the problem."
