Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has revealed the discussion he had with Lionel Messi on the club’s decision to sell Luis Suarez.

Messi has been critical of the decision which saw Suarez leave Camp Nou for Atletico Madrid without the club honouring him with a celebration.

Koeman who spoke to NOS, said that Messi’s reaction is what would be expected from someone who is close friends with Suarez.

He said: “If you have someone in the locker room with whom you and your wife and children also hang out outside football, then such a reaction makes sense.

“I also said that to Messi: “I understand that you are disappointed and think it is a terrible shame that he is leaving, but these are choices of the club”.’