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Antoine Griezmann Booed By Barcelona Fans On Arrival To Training After Lionel Messi Departure

Antoine Griezmann Booed By Barcelona Fans On Arrival To Training After Lionel Messi Departure

Things are turning nasty.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

A group of Barcelona fans were heard booing Antoine Griezmann on his arrival to first-team training on Friday morning, according to reports.

It was announced on Thursday afternoon that Lionel Messi would not be staying at his boyhood club because of financial and structural obstacles.

Many Barca supporters are struggling to come to terms with Messi's shock departure and on Friday morning, a group congregated outside of the club's Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper training facility to voice their concerns.

Spanish publication Deportes Cuatro claim there is currently a "tense atmosphere" at the facility and numerous players have "felt the discomfort" of the Blaugrana fans, including striker Antoine Griezmann.

In fact, on his arrival at the training ground, cries of "Messi is leaving because of you" were heard from the crowd.


In addition to jeers aimed at the French striker, it is believed fans told experienced full-back Jordi Alba to "get off the floor" while on the outskirts of the facility.

Earlier this year, Barcelona were warned about reducing their wage bill and according to Mundo Deportivo, the club stated that those who don't agree to wage cuts would have legal action started against them.

Alba was named as one of those players who rejected the wage reduction, which is said to have surprised club president Joan Laporta because of their good relationship.

Griezmann, meanwhile, has been linked with a move away from Barca in recent weeks to free up space on the wage bill but Diario Sport claimed he was willing to sit down and talk about a pay-cut.

Image credit: PA
Image credit: PA

Barcelona explained the reasons behind Messi's departure in a statement on Thursday.

"Despite FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi having reached an agreement and the clear intention of both parties to sign a new contract today, this cannot happen because of financial and structural obstacles (Spanish Liga regulations).

"As a result of this situation, Messi shall not be staying on at FC Barcelona. Both parties deeply regret that the wishes of the player and the club will ultimately not be fulfilled.

"FC Barcelona wholeheartedly expresses its gratitude to the player for his contribution to the aggrandisement of the club and wishes him all the very best for the future in his personal and professional life."

Featured Image Credit: PA - @DeportesCuatro/Twitter

Topics: Barcelona, Transfers, Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann, Fans, La Liga