The lockdown imposed due to the outbreak of coronavirus meant television and matchday income, which used to be the primary source of income for a majority of clubs, got cut off.
To continue functioning as a viable business, clubs proposed the players take cuts in their salaries for as long as the pandemic persists.
Bartomeu insists the players themselves offered to have a pay cut to demonstrate their loyalty to the club.
“Messi told me from day one that this reduction had to be made,” Bartomeu told Sport.
“This proposal came from the captains. It is a gesture that demonstrates their commitment to the club.”
“Perhaps [the players] have been frustrated by things said by people inside and outside the club, who do not have all the information. But the negotiations were carried out only by Oscar Grau and me and we have not said anything.”
