MANILA – Football star Lionel Messi emotionally bade farewell to FC Barcelona but was mum on reports of his possible transfer to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the coming days.
In a press conference on Sunday, Messi said that if he has a choice, he wanted to play for Barcelona for the rest of his career, but Spanish league La Liga’s financial fair play rules prevented him from signing a new deal.
“I’m so grateful for the love people have shown me these years,” the 34-year-old Messi said. “I tried to behave with humility and respect, and I hope that’s the memory that will be left of me.”
“I am convinced that I am going to stay in Barcelona for the rest of my career. It will be weird for me to leave the team, but people will get used to it. I’ve been here my entire life. I’m not ready for this,” he added.
Messi spent his entire career at FC Barcelona, coming through the club’s academy before going on to score 672 goals in 778 appearances after making his senior debut in 2003.
“I have so much respect for FC Barcelona, and so many beautiful things have happened to me here. Also, some bad things, but all this helped me grow and improve and make me the person I am today,” the football star said.
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has reportedly reached a deal with PSG and that he could have his medical with them today, but Messi did not confirm nor deny this.
“PSG is one possibility for the future. There are a lot of clubs interested, but I have not confirmed with anyone. I hope I can come back and be part of this (FC Barcelona) club again in any way and help it become the best in the world,” he added./PN
