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Ronald Koeman Responds To Lionel Messi's Criticism Over Luis Suarez's Departure

Ronald Koeman Responds To Lionel Messi's Criticism Over Luis Suarez's Departure

The Uruguayan has left Barcelona on fairly bad terms...

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

Ronald Koeman is not taking any blame for the way in which Luis Suarez has left Barcelona.

The Uruguayan had an emotional Barcelona farewell on Thursday before he signed a two-year contract with Atletico Madrid.

Lionel Messi's farewell message to Suarez saw him rip into the club for the way they treated the club's third highest ever goalscorer and prompted responses from the likes of Neymar, Dani Alves and even Suarez himself.

It was reported that Suarez was told he was not in the Dutchman's plans in a brutal phone call that lasted just a minute but the new Blaugrana boss clams it was not his decision to move him on.

"It's normal for him to be upset about the fact a great friend has left," Koeman said about Messi's social media post, as per Metro.

"'But I have no doubts about Messi. I have seen him train.

'It seemed like I have been the bad guy in this movie and it's not like that. It was the decision of the club. I respect Suarez a lot and wish him all the best at Atlético Madrid.'

Suarez replied to Messi thanking him for the kind words but also threw a little shade at the board.

He wrote: "Do not forget what I told you 'I continued enjoying and showing that you are the ONE for something' and that 2,3 or 4 do not cloud how GIANT you are for the club and for the world of football.

"I love you a lot friend and we are going to MISS you, us 5."

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Topics: Football News, FC Barcelona, Football, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Barcelona news, Ronald Koeman