Lionel Messi Says Luis Suarez Did Not Deserve "To Get Thrown Out Like" He Has Been

 

Lionel Messi says Luis Suarez deserved a better send-off from Barcelona but that he is "no longer surprised" by the club's behaviour.

Suarez has joined Atletico Madrid after being told he was not in new Barca boss Ronald Koeman's plans.

Earlier this month, Messi said he would stay at Barca despite wanting to leave because he felt he had no option.

He added that he felt he had been deceived by the club president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

In a post on Instagram, Messi paid tribute to Suarez, saying it will be "strange" to see him "with another shirt and much more to face you".

"You deserved a send-off matching who you are - one of the most important players in the club's history, achieving important things both as a group and individually.

"Not to get thrown out like you have been. But the truth is at this point nothing surprises me."

- bbc.com