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The Dutchman insists that the call to cut ties with the decorated striker came before his arrival in Catalonia.
Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman has stated that the decision to sell Luis Suárez had already been made before he assumed office on the Camp Nou bench after Lionel Messi hit the club’s management of the departure of the Uruguayan.
Suarez spent six trophy-laden years at the club, cementing a reputation as one of the best Blaugrana forwards in history in the process, while also developing a close relationship with Messi both on and off the pitch.
Messi made a new effort at the Barça slate on Friday in an emotional farewell message to his good friend, but Koeman, who believes that he has been painted as the “villain” of the saga, has stated that the decision to go through the 33- one year before your arrival.
“It seems that I have been the villain of this film,” said the Dutchman at a news conference on Saturday. “But before arriving here, some decisions had already been made and I supported them, it was not up to me.
“I only showed respect to Luis Suárez as a person and as a player. I told him that if he stayed it would be difficult for him to play but that he would be part of the squad. “
Koeman went on to say that Messi appears unaffected by Suarez’s departure from training camp, and the Argentine remained professional for what have been an exciting few months.
“It is normal for Messi to be sad when a friend of his leaves the club. But Leo has been an example for everyone in training and games. There is no training session in which you have not shown great commitment. I have no doubt about him. “
And while it has been a summer of discontent for the Barca faithful, one thing fans can look forward to is the development of young attacker Ansu Fati, who Koeman confirmed is part of his plans for the new season.
“Ansu Fati is a great talent,” he said. “Few players his age are at his level. He is young and has things to learn, but if he has already debuted with the first team, it means something.
“He is a player for the future of the club, although, even at his age, his level is impressive enough to play in the first team.”
