Guwahati News Desk: It was on Sunday, when Lionel Messi had to fight back his tears, as he began the press conference at which he was expected to confirm about him leaving FC Barcelona, where he played through his entire career.
The 34-year-old Argentinian superstar and six times a Ballon d’Or winner, has been out of contract since the end of June and FC Barcelona said that they could no longer afford paying the Argentine’s high wages, adding he was in negotiations with French club Paris St. Germain over a possible move.
Messi said, “My contract was never the issue … What I know is that I did everything I could. The club say it could not happen because of La Liga. I can guarantee you that I did everything I could to stay. Last year I didn’t want to and I said that, but this year it was different.”
He said, “Honestly, when the elections happened (in March), I spoke with (club president Joan) Laporta, we had dinner and after that I was convinced I would be staying.”
He added, “I gave everything for this club from the first day that I arrived right to the last. I never imagined having to say goodbye.”
All 35 trophies that he won during his time at the club were laid out for what the club described would be a private photo session after the news conference.
However, Messi did inform that his plans were to carry on playing as long as possible.
Messi said, “As long as I go on being competitive and as long as my body responds (I’ll carry on playing).”
Meanwhile, hundreds of fans, many wearing his No. 10 jersey, massed outside Barca’s Camp Nou stadium to bid farewell to the player they called Messiah.