Messi Bids Farewell to Barcelona After 21 Years

By Adedapo Adesanya

Football legend, Lionel Messi, has bid goodbye to Barcelona, where he has played his entire career in an emotional press conference on Sunday observed by Business Post.

The 34-year-old Argentinian superstar, six times a Ballon d’Or winner, has been out of contract since the end of June, but the Catalonian club could keep him on its paycheck due to financial troubles.

Speculations have shown that the Copa America winner could be on his way to France with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) widely expected to try to entice him to the Parc des Princes.

A teary Messi said, “This year, my family and I were convinced we were going to stay here, at home — this is what we wanted more than anything.”

“I did everything possible and the club, Laporta, they couldn’t do it because of La Liga,” added a suited Messi as he struggled to contain his emotions.

“I’ve heard things said about me, that I didn’t want to continue, but in my life, we did everything we could because I wanted to stay.

“Last year, I didn’t want to stay and I said it; this year, I wanted to stay and we couldn’t.

“We thought we would be staying in Barcelona. The time we have had here has been amazing,” he further said.

Last year, he sought to engineer a release from his contract in frustration at some poor showings in Europe by the club where he won four Champions Leagues but stayed.

Last month, Barcelona, battling huge debts, had said they were in agreement in principle with the player and his entourage on a new five-year deal on much-reduced wages.

“The truth is I don’t know what to say,” said Messi, who signed for the Catalan giants as a 13-year-old.

“After 21 years, I am leaving with my three Catalan Argentine children,” said Messi, who won 10 league titles with the club.

“I gave everything for this club from the first day that I arrived right to the last. I never imagined having to say goodbye.

“In recent days I have given lots of thought to what I can say and truth to tell I can’t think of anything.

“This is really difficult for me after so many years spent here — my entire life. I’m not ready for this,” he told a packed conference at the club as thousands of fans milled outside, with several watching from their television screens from around the world.