Lionel Messi could not hold back his emotions as he bade FC Barcelona farewell in tears.
Gatekeepers News reports that 34-year-old Lionel Messi who has spent his entire career at Barcelona has confirmed he was leaving the Catalan Club.
Leo while confirming his exit in a news conference, bade Barcelona farewell in tears.
The Argentine striker who broke down in tears as he receives a standing ovation said, “I’m so grateful for the love people have shown me these years”
He added that he tried to “behave with humility and respect, and I hope that’s the memory that will be left of me”.
Although Messi stated that he has not yet decided on his future, he joined Barcelona through the club’s academy before going on to score 672 goals in 778 appearances after making his senior debut in 2003.
He officially became a free agent on July 1 after he failed to agree to terms over a renewal before his previous Barcelona contract expired on June 30.
Gatekeepers News earlier reported that the club announced Messi was set to leave as a new contract couldn’t happen in line with financial fair play rules set by the Spanish league La Liga.
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner who has been linked to a move to PSG said the Ligue 1 club is “one possibility” for the future, he, however, added that he has nothing confirmed with anyone.
He said: “There are a lot of clubs interested.”
Messi who admitted he was “convinced” he was going to stay at Barcelona, added that it will be “weird” for him to leave but people will get used to it.
He said his family was “at home” in Barcelona and “we thought we’d be staying here”.
“But today, I have to say goodbye to all of this,” he added.
According to him, his departure was “the most difficult” moment of his career.
He said: “I’ve been here my entire life, I’m not ready for this. And last year with all the nonsense, I was convinced of what I wanted to say, but this year it is not the same.
“This year my family and I were convinced we were going to stay here, that is what we all wanted more than anything.”
He noted that he has “so much respect” for the club and “so many beautiful things” have happened.
Messi added, “Also some bad things, but all this helped me to grow and improve and make me the person I am today.”
Barcelona before announcing Messi’s exit, earlier stated that the Argentine will stay in the club on a 50% wage cut deal.
Messi confirmed this during the news conference at Nou Camp.
He said: “I hope I can come back and be part of this club again in any way and help it become the best in the world.”
“People will get used to it, at first it will be weird but like everything, people will get used to it.
“They have great players, a great squad and in the end, it will be easy for them.”
According to L’Equipe newspaper, Messi will travel to Paris on Sunday for medical tests with PSG later in the evening or early on Monday.
The newspaper while citing Argentine sources, reported they were close to an agreement.
