- Barcelona’s greatest ever player holds press conference for the first time since it was confirmed that he is leaving
- Close friends, family, present and past teammates attended the conference
- A tearful Messi confirmed that he was ready to remain at the club before it was confirmed that the club can not keep him
A tearful Lionel Messi confirmed he was leaving Barcelona after 21 years at his farewell press conference on Sunday morning.
Barcelona reported on Thursday that Messi will not be staying at the club “because of financial and structural obstacles”.
On Sunday, Messi appeared at a press conference to say goodbye to Barcelona, his team-mates and the city. He was in tears from the off and said: “In recent days I’ve been thinking about what I can say. The truth is I can’t think of anything. This is really difficult for me after so many years, being here my entire life. I’m not ready for this.
“This year my family and I were convinced we were going to stay here, at home, that is what we all wanted. We thought we would be staying here in Barcelona. The time we’ve had here has been amazing. Today I have to say goodbye to all of this.
“After 21 years I am leaving. I can’t tell you in a few years we won’t come back because this is our home. I have promised my children that. So many beautiful things have happened, some bad things, but all of this helped me to grow and improve and make me the person I am.”
Messi leaves the club having won thirty five trophies with the club and amassing six Ballon d’Or titles to his name.
