Ronald Koeman reveals he met Lionel Messi at his mansion to thrash out his future in first move as Barcelona boss
RONALD KOEMAN revealed he rushed to Lionel Messi's mansion to discuss his future after taking charge of Barcelona.
The 33-year-old superstar tried to force his way out of the club after handing in a transfer request this summer.
With his future up in the air, Koeman headed straight to Messi's plush pad for face-to-face talks.
Messi's incredible home is just 12 miles away from Nou Camp in the exclusive suburb of Castelldefels.
He has his own football pitch, a swimming pool, an indoor and a playground for the kids.
Speaking to Dutch source NOS, Koeman revealed how he approached the situation.
The Nou Camp boss said: "After signing as coach, I immediately contacted Leo.
"I went to his house and talked to him about his future. His discontent was clear.
"In the end it well and from the moment he indicated he would continue, he has done everything I expect of him."
Messi also slammed Barcelona for 'kicking' his close pal Luis Suarez out of the club.
Suarez revealed he was made to leave the club because of his close friendship with Messi.
But in a shock revelation, Koeman has insisted the ex-Liverpool star could have stayed.
He said: ""In the case of Suarez, it had become very difficult for him to start playing and I made that known to him.
"He found it difficult, but I never had any trouble with him at all.
"He trained normally, trained well. He finally made the reason to leave and I said: 'If you don't leave, for whatever reason, then you are just one of the group, then you can prove that I was wrong'.
Ya en casa con la familia y unos buenos mates !!!! Los amo ??
A post shared byLeo Messi (@leomessi) on
"He could have stayed, yes."
Suarez, who scored 198 goals for the club, joined Atletico Madrid next month.
And he plans to 'point at those responsible' for his Barcelona exit if he scores against his former club next month.
Source: Read Full Article