Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu admits it's been an intense 2017.

Bartomeu reflected on the year via the club's Christmas message.

"It has been an intense year both from a sporting and a social point of view," he said.

"We know that we have made some decisions that have not been liked, but despite all of these difficulties, the board has always tried to do things with sense and calmness.

"There have been problems, such as the exit of Luis Enrique, the arrival of Valverde, the sale of Neymar, the contract renewals of some key players, and the issue [that is still ongoing] regarding Catalan independence.

"[Nevertheless,] Barcelona continue to grow as a brand, as a family and as a club.

"We are aware that we are currently living in a state of crisis.

"Hopefully we will have a better 2018 than we did in 2017."