Barcelona player to take over from Messi as 'captain' revealed

Barcelona manager, Ronald Koeman, has confirmed the player that will captain the club following Lionel Messi's departure.

Messi said a tearful goodbye to Barcelona on Sunday as it became clear that the Blaugrana had no way of registering him.

While Messi is expected to join close friend Neymar at Paris Saint-Germain, Koeman has now revealed that Sergio Busquets will take over from the Argentine as the club's new captain.

"Despite the farewell of Messi, we are very excited about this season. We are convinced that we will give you many joys this season," Koeman told Barca fans ahead of the Gamper Trophy encounter tie with Juventus.

"The youngsters are the future of this great club.

"It has been very hard to play a whole year without an audience, we are delighted to see you again."

"Sergio Busquets will take over from Messi as the new Barcelona captain."

Reacting, Busquets said, "It is a pride to be the captain.

"I have had great examples with Carles Puyol, Xavi and Leo. Thank you Leo for taking Barça to the highest level... Et ernal thanks Leo