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BARCELONA. — A tearful Lionel Messi confirmed yesterday he was leaving FC Barcelona after the Spanish La Liga football club said it could no longer afford paying the Argentine’s high wages, adding he was in negotiations with French club Paris St Germain over a possible move.
French newspaper L’Equipe reported yesterday that the Argentine will travel to the French capital either yesterday or today to undertake a medical and finalise his deal with the Qatar Sports Investment-owned club. While Messi did not confirm he would definitely join the Parisians, he said his plans were to carry on playing as long as possible.
But Messi’s move to Paris Saint-Germain is a done deal after the legendary Argentine bade a tearful farewell to Barcelona after 21 years.
The 34-year-old is set to have a medical ahead of signing his contract in the next 24 hours, according to ESPN.
Since the news broke on Thursday evening that Barca were not able to keep Messi because of chronic financial issues, PSG have moved at an electric pace to sign the six-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Reports of a two-year deal worth £70million, with an option to add a third year, appeared as early as Friday morning, and now the Argentine’s switch to Paris is said to be complete.
An emotional Messi gave a final goodbye press conference at Barcelona yesterday and revealed that PSG is a possible destination, but did not confirm he had signed with the Qatari-owned club. “As long as I go on being competitive and as long as my body responds (I’ll carry on playing),” he told a news conference.
“My contract was never the issue… What I know is that I did everything I could. The club say it could not happen because of La Liga.
“I can guarantee you that I did everything I could to stay. Last year I didn’t want to and I said that, but this year it was different. “As long as I can, I will carry on competing.”
Messi’s arrival at PSG would see him reunited with former Barca team-mate and closer friend Neymar. Should the French club manage to keep Kylian Mbappe, they would possess arguably the most potent front three in world football.
Messi is Barcelona’s all-time goal-scorer with 672 and won 35 trophies with the club.
“I tried to behave with humility and respect and I hope that is what remains of me when I leave the club,” said an emotional Messi as hundreds of fans, many wearing his No. 10 jersey, massed outside Barca’s Camp Nou stadium to bid farewell to the player they called Messiah.
The club legend was also greeted by a lengthy standing ovation from the media, current and former team mates and coaches in attendance.
Messi said that he believed he would be staying at the club, with a five-year deal agreed on a 50% pay-cut, only for a surprise U-turn to happen late last week.
“Honestly, when the elections happened (in March), I spoke with (club president Joan) Laporta, we had dinner and after that I was convinced I would be staying,” he said.
“My contract was never the issue… What I know is that I did everything I could. The club say it could not happen because of La Liga.
“I can guarantee you that I did everything I could to stay. Last year I didn’t want to and I said that, but this year it was different.”
All 35 trophies he won during his time at the club were laid out for what the club described would be a private photo session after the news conference. — Mailonline.
Online Reporter