Lionel Messi broke down in tears as he attempted to explain his dramatic exit from Barcelona after 21 years at at the Camp Nou in an emotional press conference on Sunday.
The Argentina International, 34, has been a free agent since July 1 when his contract at Camp Nou expired, though he had verbally agreed on a new deal on reduced wages only for the Catalan club to pull the plug.
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Barcelona confirmed on Thursday Messi would not sign a new contract with the Spanish club amid financial concerns “and structural obstacles” which prevented Messi from renewing.
“In recent days I’ve been thinking about what I can say,” Messi told reporters on Sunday. “The truth is I can’t think of anything. This is really difficult for me after so many years, being here my entire life. I’m not ready for this.
Messi, who made clear his desire to leave Barcelona last summer, revealed he and his family expected to stay at the club following much speculation about his future.
“This year my family and I were convinced we were going to stay here, at home, that is what we all wanted.
“We thought we would be staying here in Barcelona. The time we’ve had here has been amazing. Today I have to say goodbye to all of this.”
Paris Saint-Germain are widely reported to be close to agreeing a contract with Messi despite strong links with Manchester City over the past 12 months.
Messi moved to Catalunya from Rosario as a 13-year-old and enjoyed enormous success at the club, winning 10 La Liga titles, four Champions League crowns, and the Ballon d’Or six times.