Barcelona have taken heed of Lionel Messi's scathing criticism of the club as they begin a "fresh and exciting project", vice-president Pau Vilanova has said. Vilanova's assessment is the first time someone on the Barca board has spoken publicly since Messi's explosive interview with Goal last week. Messi admitted he had been forced to stay this summer but said he had wanted to leave and was dismayed by the lack of direction at the top of the club. "We are very happy that Messi is with us and has joined this exciting project," said Vilanova on Friday.

"You have to take his words into consideration and for this reason we are starting a recovery, for this reason we are beginning a new, fresh and exciting project." Messi returned to pre-season training under new coach Ronaldo Koeman this week. The 33-year-old turned up an hour and a half early for the first session on Monday and has been working on the team's days off as he tries to make up for lost time following a chaotic few weeks. Barcelona play a friendly against Gimnasio Tarragona on Saturday and then Elche and Girona, before starting their La Liga season at home to Villarreal at the end of the month.