Barcelona president fires strong message after shock Champions League exit to Roma

BARCELONA’S president Josep Maria Bartomeu has issued a rallying call after his side’s shock Champions League exit to Roma.

Barcelona had one foot in the semi-finals after winning the first leg 4-1.

However, the Catalan giants capitulated as they lost 3-0 at the Stadio Olimpico as Roma completed one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the competition.

In fact, Roma became just the third team ever in the Champions League to overturn a three-goal deficit from the first leg.

The result shattered Ernesto Valverde’s hopes of lifting the treble.

And while accepting the disappointment of his side’s shock exit, Bartomeu insists his side can’t let the defeat derail the rest of their campaign.

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Josep Maria Bartomeu has urged the Barcelona fans not to lose faith

But it is now when the supporters, coaches and players have to be more united than ever

“Being knocked out of the Champions League is a very tough blow for all Barça fans,” Bartomeu tweeted.

“But it is now when the supporters, coaches and players have to be more united than ever.”

Valverde also explained his sympathy for his fans.

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Ernesto Valverde says he feels sorry for the Barcelona fans

He said: “I feel sorry for the fans.

“It’s been a huge disappointment for them.

“But now we just have to focus on the competitions that we have left. We have to keep looking ahead.”