An emotional Lionel Messi said joining Paris St-Germain was “a possibility, but nothing is agreed” as he confirmed his exit from Barcelona.
Barca’s salary limit means Messi cannot honor the contract they signed with him after 21 years of association.
The record six-time Ballon d’Or winner, 34, is now a free agent.
“My family and I were convinced we were going to stay here, at home,” he said during a news conference on Sunday.
The forward from Argentina stated that “this is the end of this club” and that a new story would begin. It’s one of my most difficult moments.
“I don’t want to leave this club – it’s a club I love and this is a moment I didn’t expect.
“Last year, I wanted to go. This year, I wanted to stay. This is why I feel so sad.
It was almost like my blood was running cold. It was very sad. It was very difficult up until now. It’s still difficult for me to comprehend it all.
“When I return home, I will still feel terrible; it will get worse. This is not something I am ready for. “
He said, “I’m so thankful for the love that everybody’s shown to me, for all of my team-mates and for the club being beside my side.” “Today, I must say goodbye to all of this.
“I arrived when I was very young, 13 years old, and after 21 years I am leaving with my wife and three Catalan-Argentine children.
“I couldn’t be prouder of all I did and lived here. It is my home and I know that we will return to it after some years. “
Messi said, “I’m leaving club without seeing fans for more than a year and half [due the pandemic].” I could imagine Camp Nou full and saying goodbye. It has to be like this. “
Messi is leaving Barcelona
Messi was set to extend his stay in Nou Camp after he signed a new five year contract in July. This halved the PS123m per season he received in his last contract.
The agreement was dependent on player departures to get Barca’s wage bill under La Liga’s limit, however, and the club were unable to do so.
Messi stated, “I offered to lower my salary by half and they didn’t ask for anything else.” “It’s not true that they asked for more.
“I know it wasn’t possible due to La Liga because the club didn’t want to take on more debt. “
Barcelona president Joan Laporta said on Friday that trying to keep Messi could have put the club at risk for 50 years.
Once it became clear Barca were unable to honour the contract they had agreed with Messi, his representatives contacted PSG, but wherever Messi goes next, he said he wants to “play my last years competing for titles”.
Dani Alves, his former Barca teammate, also received a warning from him after the 38-year old right-back helped Brazil win Olympic Gold. This pushed his career record for career titles to 43.
Messi said, “I congratulate Dani Alves” and warned him that I will fight to catch up to him and surpass him. It’s my mentality. To keep winning and competing, I must find my way. “
Hundreds of fans gathered outside the Nou Camp and several of Barcelona’s first-team players were also in attendance.
Messi was in tears as he walked on to the stage and he received a round of applause before, during and after his news conference.
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