The Argentina star left Barcelona the only team he has played for as they could not afford a new deal under La Liga’s financial fair regulations. “I can’t wait to start a new journey of my career in Paris. I know how talented the footballers and staff are here. The team and its vision match my ambitions,” he said. “I look forward to building with them something great for the team and fans. I can’t wait to step on the Parc des Princes pitch.”
The president of PSG, Nasser al-Khelaifi, said he was happy that Messi has decided to join PSG and that the team is proud to welcome him home in Paris with his family. Messi did not hide his aspiration to continue being at the top and to take home trophies. The ambition of the team is the same as his. Messi joining the world-class club confirms the significance and success of the team’s training. Nasser said that together with their qualified coach and staff they look forward to watching the club make history for all of their fans worldwide.
Messi joined Barcelona when he was 13-year-old and has since then recorded 672 goals in 778 games. He is referred to as one of the best footballers of all time. He has won the Ballon d’Or six times and attained thirty-five trophies with the Catalan team.
Messi is now the fourth free-transfer signing for PSG this summer following Georginio Wijnaldum Netherlands midfielder, Sergio Ramos, Spain defender, and Gianluigi Donnarumma, Italy goalkeeper. An outstanding Morocco right-back Achraf Hakimi also arrived from Inter Milan. Messi will wear the number 30 shirt and play in a front with his fellow superstars- Neymar and Kylan Mbappe.
Why did Messi exit Barcelona?
Maintaining Messi at the Nou Camp was the priority of President Joan Laporta this summer, but agreeing on a new contract became complicated due to the club’s financial crisis. He officially became a free agent when his initial contract expired on 1st July, but he was expected to remain in the team. However, Barca announced last week that he would be exiting the club due to what they referred to as “financial and structural obstacles.”
On Sunday, Messi broke down in tears at a news conference where he admitted he did not want to exit Barca but had no option. He had accepted a new contract on half of his old wages to remain in Barcelona, but the team could not fulfill it as they were above La Liga’s limit.
The superstar used to make 140m euros gross a year at Barcelona, according to BBC Sport columnist Guillem Balague. He agreed to remain in the team by reducing his earnings by 50% and not more than that because it is against Spanish law. The league could not believe he was reducing his earnings to zero, which Barca may have attempted to do as they have a debt of one billion euros. So, generally, they cannot afford Messi.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login