Bartomeu: Messi told me from day one that there was a need for pay cuts

Josep Maria Bartomeu has made clear that Barcelona captain Lionel Messi has never opposed the board's decision to carry out salary cuts for the first team.

The Blaugrana players will temporarily see their salaries reduced by 70 percent as a consequence of the Coronavirus, while this will help other club staff to keep earning 100 percent of their wages.

"Messi told me from day one that this reduction had to be made," Bartomeu told Sport and Mundo Deportivo.

"This proposal came from the captains.

"It is a gesture that demonstrates their commitment to the club."

Through a statement released on Monday, Messi expressed his unease regarding rumours about the players allegedly turning down the club's proposal to cut their salaries.

"Perhaps [the players] have been frustrated by things said by people inside and outside the club, who do not have all the information," added Bartomeu.

"But the negotiations were carried out only by Oscar Grau and me and we have not said anything."