FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Pre Season Friendly - FC Barcelona v Elche - Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain - September 19, 2020. Barcelona's Lionel Messi reacts. REUTERS/Albert Gea
BARCELONA (Reuters) - Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman said he understood why Lionel Messi was upset about the departure of his long-time strike partner and friend Luis Suarez to Atletico Madrid but did not believe it would affect him on the pitch.
Messi blasted Barca on Friday for forcing Suarez out after six years of service in which he scored 198 goals, the Argentinean's latest attack on the club's hierarchy after he tried to force a move of his own last month.
Already a subscriber? Log in.
Subscribe now and receive FREE sooka plan for 1 month.
T&C applies.
Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
