Lionel Messi bids tearful goodbye to Barcelona

Barcelona: Lionel Messi broke down in tears as he attended his final press conference at Barcelona on Sunday. The club legend will be leaving the club, where he played his entire career, with his possible destination being the Paris Saint-Germain doing the rounds.

The 34-year-old, who won the Ballon d’Or six times, has been without a contract since June end. “This year, my family and I were convinced we were going to stay here, at home — this is what we wanted more than anything,” Messi, in a navy blue suit, said as he struggled to contain his emotions.

After his contract ended a couple of months ago, there have been several speculations about Messi being linked to PSG. At the same time, it was also reported that Messi has agreed to 50 per cent reduction in his wages considering Barcelona’s financial strains.

“The truth is I don’t know what to say,” said Messi, who signed for Barcelona as a 13-year-old. “After 21 years I am leaving with my three Catalan Argentine children,” said Messi, who won 10 league titles with the club.

Messi would have left the club last year after he was frustated with the management but decided to stay back at Barcelona – a club where he has won four Champions Leagues. “I gave everything for this club from the first day that I arrived right to the last. I never imagined having to say goodbye,” he added.

“In recent days I have given lots of thought to what I can say and truth to tell I can’t think of anything. This is really difficult for me after so many years spent here — my entire life. I’m not ready for this.”

Asked about his possible move to PSG, Messi decided not to confirm anything but admitted that both the parties are in discussion. “When the press release (of his departure) was published, I received a lot of calls from interested clubs,” Messi told reporters.

“For the moment nothing is arranged but, yes, we are in discussion.” According to reports, an agreement between PSG and the Argentinian could take place soon. French sports daily L’Equipe reported a contract of three years is in the pipeline with an annual net salary of 40 million euros ($47m).