Lionel Messi has told reporters that he was "surprised and saddened" by the departure of Pep Guardiola from Barcelona after four years in charge at the Camp Nou.

Messi, 24, gave his first public comments on the managerial changes at the club, expressing his sadness at Guardiola's exit. However, the Argentine was quick to offer his backing to successor Tito Vilanova, who has already played a role in the club's success of recent years.

Guardiola's era at the helm came to an end ...

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