If we wanted to sell him, then we would've made sure he played those extra games and negociated a higher fee based on the buyout being 90m. What probably happened is that Thiago wanted out, and Barca didn't try very hard to convince him to stay. I can see how that could be interpreted as wanting to sell him, but it's different. I'm pretty sure Thiago made the first move.
Ofc not, so someone would meet his buyout. I can't see a team paying that much for Thiago back then. He was just a prospect, although an excellent one. If he was played more, it would only be to avoid selling him. Not the other way around. And he actually was sold for more than his buyout, 25m. His buyout was 18m. Bayern avoided taxes, Barça got more money. Win-win situation.
Why does it matter who made the 1st move? When Xavi almost left for milan, the 1st move was from him and his father. It was a similar situation. Difference being mazinho kept firm with wanting thiago to leave, while mr Joaquin had to give it up to avoid breaking his family apart. Barto, Faus, Freixa and co didn't have that much faith in thiago. Surely not the same you seem to have.
Tito played him a lot though.
I have read Pep Confidential and certain part like that Thiago bit comes across as a bit of saving face for Pep taking a Barca player. It is quite vague about them previously testing his value in market etc but doesnt state they were actively trying to sell him.
Having said that it is irrelevant really. Thiago was offered a starting place under Pep at the European Champions and it was a step forward in his career in relation to the position he found himself in at Barca at that moment.
I remember it said the club were actively trying to sell him since 2011, when Pep was still here. He wasn't perceived as the future by this board, they probably thought Cesc would be that. In the end, it was a good transfer for club and player. That's why I don't understand why many still hold a grudge against him.
To be a traitor, a player has to go to rm, in my opinion. That's disrespectful and insulting. Otherwise, I don't really care. As Galning said, bar Messi, all players are replaceable.
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