Messi: Some think I should have shut up, but...

Lionel Messi has spoken about what was a difficult summer, explaining some of the criticism he has made of Barcelona in recent weeks.

The forward was critical of the club's planning in an interview given after he'd decided to stay and he also hit out at the way Luis Suarez's departure was handled.

Now, in an interview this Wednesday with Sport - of which an extract was published on Tuesday night - Messi has clarified his position.

"I only said what I felt in some moments that were tough for me," he told the Catalan publication.

"I understand some people will think I should shut up or let things go, like I have done with many other things, but many things hurt me in these past few weeks and this was my way of expressing this."

Now, Messi is looking forward with optimism and is calling for unity.

"We should leave differences behind," he said.

"I accept responsibility for my mistakes.

"If they existed, it was only to make a better and stronger Barcelona.

"Now we should focus on doing the best possible and on doing all we can to achieve things together as a team and a fanbase.

"We should be united and pull in the same direction.

"After some disagreements, I'd like to put a full stop to it.

"We must be united and believe that the best is yet to come."

Messi also insisted that he won't be giving any less effort than in previous seasons.

"Those who know me will know that I'm not capable of not playing to win," he said.

"I'll give my all on the pitch.

"My commitment to this shirt and badge is total, it remains intact."