Sadness at Barca as Messi prepares to exit Camp Nou
Ronald Koeman has described Lionel Messi’s Barcelona departure as
“still hard to understand” as the Camp Nou club prepare to officially bid farewell to the superstar today.
It was announced on Thursday the six-time Ballon d’or winner would not sign a new contract with his boyhood club, with president Joan Laporta saying a day later that the former regime at Barca in addition to Laliga spending rules had thwarted any hopes of the Argentinian staying in Catalonia.
Messi, who has been heavily linked with a move to Paris St Germain, had been set to remain at the Nou Camp but is now a free agent and the 34-year-old will hold a press conference today at 11am BST.
Reflecting on the shock news that Messi will be leaving, Barca boss Koeman said on Twitter: “Still hard to understand that you will not play for FC Barcelona anymore. Thanks for everything you have done for our club Leo.
“I really enjoyed the full season we worked together. I am impressed with your work ethic and desire to win. It makes you the best player in the world. For now, I wish you and your family the best!”
During a press conference held by club president Laporta on Friday, he insisted his predecessors had left a “terrible inheritance” with club salaries claimed to be running at 110% of income when he took over in March.
He also said Laliga’s strict squad wage cap rules meant there was no way to do a deal, with Messi’s two-decade stay at Barcelona coming to an end despite an expectation in July that the Argentina captain had agreed a new contract.
Numerous tributes have been paid with now former team-mate Frenkie De Jong writing on Instagram: “It has been a dream for me to play with the best player in history, I enjoyed every minute on and off the field of play.
“Now I will continue to enjoy your magic but again like when I started, in front of the television. Thanks for everything, Leo.”
After 778 appearances and a staggering 672 goals, Messi will move on from Barcelona with 10 league titles, four Champions League crowns and three Club World Cups among his haul of 35 trophies.
PSG are leading the chase for his signature, with the Ligue 1 outfit confident they can complete the transfer within a week.
Boss Mauricio Pochettino is said to have received a call from Messi on Thursday which convinced the hierarchy at the Paris club to pursue a deal despite initial concerns due to financial grounds.
PSG begin their domestic campaign on Saturday away to Troyes with Argentina internationals Angel Di Maria, Leandro Paredes and Mauro Icardi already at the club along with Messi’s old Barca teammate Neymar.