Lionel Messi’s final press conference as a Barcelona player

Lionel Messi addressed the world for the first time since the announcement that he would not continue with Barcelona. The former captain was in tears up on the podium, and struggled to find the words to communicate his feelings. 

Messi started out by thanking everyone present at the conference. He confirmed that an agreement was in place between him and Barcelona to renew their association, but La Liga rulings were put into place and the extension could not be signed. He also acknowledged being devastated about leaving in such a way, and the fact that he hasn’t been able to play in front of the fans for a year. 

“A lot of things have gone through my head. I’ve still not come to terms with the reality of leaving this club now and changing my life.

“We need to accept it and move forward.”

Messi was asked about joining PSG after leaving Spain, and he confirmed that Paris was one of the options. Although, he also said that he had other offers on the table as well. “It was like my blood ran cold, I was really sad, it was really difficult right up to now. I’m still trying to process it all.

“When I got home I will still feel bad, it will be even worse.”

The player denied that he wanted more money, which caused the agreement to be dissolved. He stated that he did everything he could to stay, but it was just not working out between the two parties. At the end, he was given a long standing ovation from journalists, teammates and officials. He then proceeded to take pictures with the 35 trophies he won for the club to end the occasion. 

(featured image via Twitter)