“I don’t want to leave this club, it’s a club I love and this is a moment I didn’t expect. Last year I wanted to leave, this year I wanted to stay. That’s why I’m so sad.”
He added: “There was no problem with Barcelona, really. I was ok with the club on every detail. We had an agreement on everything, I was convinced to stay at Barça… but it was not possible because of Liga rules.”
You can watch his full speech below.
This is the word of Leo #Messi: pic.twitter.com/k0btQ7k1py
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 8, 2021
When he finished speaking he was given a lengthy standing ovation by all those present at the press conference.
Lionel Messi receives a standing ovation at farewell news conference 👏❤️️ pic.twitter.com/K9ksm7JiGT
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 8, 2021
The 34-year-old then answered questions from journalists, one of whom asked him where his next destination in football would be. Asked if he had any regrets from his time at the club, the Argentinean said:
“I would have liked to have tried to win another Champions League.
“We got knocked out in the semi-final against Liverpool, which stopped us getting to another final. We got to the semi-final against Chelsea with Pep [Guardiola] and they prevented us from getting to a final.
“There could have been a time where we won another Champions League, but that’s football.”
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has been heavily linked with PSG, and confirmed that the Paris club was a “possibility” but added that “nothing is confirmed.”
The forward has spent his entire professional career at Barcelona, scoring a club record 474 goals for them over 17 seasons.
Related links:
Lionel Messi set for sensational reunion with Neymar at PSG
Barcelona bid farewell to Lionel Messi with emotional video
With Messi gone, Sergio Aguero wants to leave Barcelona already
The FootballJOE quiz: Were you paying attention? – episode 10
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