Messi edging closer to PSG

Argentine forward Lionel Messi is firmly on the wishlist of French giants PSG, and could complete a transfer this week, Goal.com has revealed.

Messi, whose contract with Barcelona expired and could not manage to sign another one due to stringent La Liga rules, is a free agent. This implies that PSG would part with no transfer fee should they sign him.

The serial Balon d’Or winner gave a touching statement over his shocking exit from the boyhood club. Saddled and tearful, Messi recounted his life in Spain and how he managed to rise from the youth team of Barcelona to win titles and also encounter moments of painful losses.

Tribute

He said: “This is very difficult, I was not prepared for this. Last year I was convinced to leave, but this year we were going to stay, my family and I wanted to continue here, in our house,” said Messi.

“After 21 years I’m leaving with my three Catalan-Argentine kids. We’ve lived in this city, this is our home. I’m just really grateful for everything, all my teammates, everyone who has been by my side.

“I gave everything for this club from the first day I arrived to the last. I never imagined having to say goodbye as I didn’t think about it. What’s clear is I did everything possible, and they (Barca) couldn’t do it because of La Liga.

“A lot of things have been said about me, but on my behalf, we did everything I could because I wanted to stay. Last year I didn’t want to stay and I said it. This year I did and I couldn’t.

“I love this club. Without seeing the fans for over a year-and-a-half has been very hard. If I had imagined it [his leaving speech] I would’ve imagined the Camp Nou full and being able to say goodbye properly.”

When asked about a move to PSG, Messi termed it a ‘possibility’ but failed to reveal more about his plans.