Sergio Busquets has commented on Arthur’s complicated situation in Barcelona, saying that everyone at the club surprised him when the Brazilian did not return to the team in July, but that he hopes that this whole situation at the Camp Nou will be resolved.
The Brazilian will join Juventus at the end of this season, after an agreement was reached for his exchange with Miralem Pjanic. However, his contract at Camp Nou is valid until the end of this edition of the Champions League, which resumes in August.
Coach Quique Setien gave his players some rest after the end of the La Liga season, which Barcelona closed in second place, and the 23-year-old took the opportunity to return home.
He was expected to return to Barcelona in July and immediately take a test for Covid-19, in order to start preparations for the return match of the 1/8 finals of the Champions League against Napoli, which takes place on Saturday.
However, Arthur refused to return to the Camp Nou, an move that surprised Sergio Busquets.
“It was a surprise to everyone that Arthur did not return. “His situation has been difficult, but the only ones who know exactly what happened are the players and the club,” said Busquets.
“We know some of the news that has come out in the media, that he left and that he will now return, but we are on the sidelines and we just hope that an agreement will be reached that is in the best interest of all.”
“We will focus on the match against Napoli.”
Barcelona have warned Arthur that he is violating the contract between them and will face punishment for such an action, however he does not intend to return, no matter how much the club may fine him.
Arthur was transferred to Camp Nou from Gremio for 40 million euros in 2018. He has made a total of 72 appearances in all competitions, 28 of which came during this season.