Lionel Messi fought back tears during a press conference on Sunday when he confirmed he is leaving Barcelona haven played his entire career with them. The 34-year-old Argentinian has also confirmed talks with French club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) over a possible move.
The 6 times a Ballon d'Or winner, who has been out of contract since the end of June stated that he is "not ready for this. Honestly, last year with all the nonsense I was convinced of what I was going to say, but not this year.
"Today I have to say goodbye. After 21 years I am leaving with my wife, with my three little Catalan/Argentine kids.
"I am really grateful for everything. All my teammates. All the people who have been by my side. I want to say to everyone, to have lived so many experiences at this club.
“I hope that I could come back and be part of this club and help the club to be the best. I have forgotten many things I wanted to say but the words won’t come to me.
"This is the end for me with this club. And now a new story will begin.
"I'm very sad because I didn't want to leave this club. Last year, I wanted to leave, this year I didn't." said a suited Messi as he struggled to contain his emotions.
Messi also revealed he offered to reduce his contract by 50 per cent to stay at the club but added that "The president explained the club is in a difficult financial situation. From my point of view, I have to keep going. I did everything I could to say but it wasn't enough.
"The important thing is that we're ok, my family and my loved ones and that I keep playing football."
When asked what Barcelona will be like without him, Messi replied: "Players come and go. People will get used to it in the end."
He concluded by responding to the links with PSG saying: "It is a possibility."
