By Grace Udofia
After a 21-year play time at FC Barcelona, a teary Lionel Messi has confirmed that he is leaving the club, as his high wages can no longer be afforded.
Messi who disclosed this on Sunday during a news conference at the Camp Nou, revealed that he did everything he could to stay back at the club which he never imagined he would leave.
He said, “These recent days I’ve been giving lots of thought to what I could say, and the truth is that I can’t think of anything,” said Messi, who subsequently let the tears flow as he received a standing ovation.
“This is really difficult for me after so many years, being here my entire life.
“I’m not ready for this and honestly last year, with all the nonsense with the burofax, I was convinced I knew what I wanted to say. But this year is not the same.
“My family and I were convinced I wanted to stay here, that’s what we all wanted more than anything. We thought we’d be staying here in Barcelona, (but) today I have to say goodbye to all of this.
“We’ve always made this our home, we’re at home and we thought we’d be staying here in Barcelona.
“The time we’ve had here in the city and the sport has been amazing, but today I have to say goodbye to all of this.
“I tried to behave with humility and respect and I hope that is the memory that will be left of me”.
The 34-year-old Messi has been with the Spanish team for his entire professional career.
He is now in talks with French giants, Paris Saint-Germain, although nothing has been confirmed and he has not made up his mind about the next move in his career.
FC Barcelona reacting on their twitter handle, posted a part of Messi’s press conference with the caption “When Messi cries, we all cry, big hug, love you Leo”.
