Eric Olhats says Lionel Messi was eager for Antoine Griezmann to join him at Barcelona 18 months ago.

While there's claims of tension between Messi and Griezmann this season, it wasn't the case in the summer of 2018.

At that time, former Atletico Madrid attacker Griezmann was expected to join Barca, only to turn them down before the World Cup - with his decision aired in a controversial documentary.

Olhats, who was working as an advisor to Griezmann at the time, revealed Messi was in contact during that season, urging the Frenchman to make the move. That Griezmann chose to snub Messi's encouragement could be at the heart of this season's tension.

Olhats told RMC: "There were calls. At the time, I was still had responsibility for the player. The guys called him.

"Even the good lord (Lionel Messi), he called him once. It's a massive crime, he calls you and you do not come..."