Former Barcelona interim president Carles Tusquets spoke about some financial issues that he had to go through while he was in charge of the club.
“Today we have done a meeting with Laporta. It has explained the economic situation, the agreement with the players, all the pending subjects that we do not have sufficient apoderamiento to sign, the Barca Corporate.” Tusquets said.
“The issue of reducing the wage bill is a duty that Laporta has to assume immediately, we are exceeding what UEFA stipulates.” added.
After Josep Maria Bartomeu leaving the club, it was Tusquets who took care of this duty, emphasizing the salary reduction.
“I will not give names. When I took office, the talks had already started. It was difficult for me to convince players that they would sit at the table, but once they were seated they all shook their shoulders.” Tusquets said.
“He (Bartomeu) could not pay them the January emoluments. There was no money to pay them. There was no other solution to negotiate.” Tusquets added.
Tusquets was also reminded of that statement in which he considered that it would have been financially good to sell Lionel Messi in summer.
“I did not say that it was necessary for him to leave the club. They asked me if financially it would be beneficial and the answer, as an economist, is that it was obvious. But I have never said that I wanted Messi to leave the club,” Tusquets said.
“The proposal and who wanted to leave the club at that time was Messi. If he has to stay, he has to do so in favorable conditions for Barcelona.” he added.
Tusquets reportedly wrote a letter to new Barcelona elected president Joan Laporta, accusing the former president of threatening him, and sending a harsh message that Laporta should put the interests of the club above his own electoral interests.
