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Lionel Messi in tears during emotional press conference
After 21 years, 672 goals, 34 major trophies and six Ballon d’Or awards – Lionel Messi is leaving Barcelona.
The Argentine addressed his exit during a press conference at Camp Nou on Sunday.
On his Barcelona exit …
“Me and my family were convinced to stay here at Barcelona. This is my home, our home.
“I wanted to stay here and it was the plan… but today I’ve got to say goodbye after spending my entire life here.
“This is really difficult for me after so many years, being here my entire life. I’m not ready for this.”
On his story with Barcelona …
“I’ve been here my entire life – I arrived when I was only 13.
“After 21 years I’m leaving with my wife, with my three little Catalan-Argentine kids and I can’t tell you everything we’ve lived in this city.
“I promise you we will return because this is my home.”
On joining Paris Saint-Germain …
“PSG is a possibility, but sincerely as of today there is nothing agreed with anyone.
When the statement came out, I had many calls, various clubs were interested. But I have nothing closed yet. But we are talking.”
On initially agreeing his contract …
“My new contract was done. All agreed. I wanted to stay and when I came back from holidays, it would be finalised.
“It’s exactly how Laporta explained it. But at the last minute, with everything with La Liga, it couldn’t happen.”
On not having fans present …
“I gave everything for this club and I leave happy with my work for the club. I would have liked to say goodbye in a different way.
“I never imagined my last day. I would have liked to do it with fans on the pitch, I would have loved to hear a last ovation from them.”
Source: OneFootball
