FC Barcelona have a released a statement on Lionel Messi after the Argentina superstar announced he would join Inter Miami.
Messi, 35, confirmed on Wednesday in an exclusive interview Mundo Deportivo and SPORT that he opted to join Inter Miami instead of a return to FC Barcelona.
“I wanted to come back, but at the same time with the way I left the club I did not want to find myself in the same situation, which was waiting to whatever can happen and leave my future to someone else’s hands,” he stated, as per the Athletic.
“I heard Barcelona had to sell players or make paycuts and the truth is I didnt wanna go through that or feel responsible about something like this.”
A few hours later Barcelona confirmed that president Joan Laporta was informed by Messi’s father and agent, Jorge Messi that his son would not return to the Camp Nou during a meeting on Monday.
However, the club also revealed that the two parties agreed to work on a proper farewell for the club’s most successful player in history.
“On Monday, June 5, Jorge Messi, the player’s father and representative, informed Club President Joan Laporta of the player’s decision to join Inter Miami, despite having been presented with a proposal from Barça, in consideration of the desire of both FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi for him to once again wear blaugrana,” the statement read.
“President Laporta understood and respected Messi’s decision to want to compete in a league with fewer demands, further away from the spotlight and the pressure he has been subject to in recent years.
“Both Joan Laporta and Jorge Messi also agreed to work together to promote a proper tribute from Barça fans to honor a footballer who has been, is, and always will be beloved by Barça.”
Messi made 778 appearances for Barca, scoring 672 goals and setting up 303 more. He won all there is to win at club level with Barça, claiming 35 trophies, namely: 4 Champions Leagues, 10 La Ligas, 7 Copas del Rey, 3 Club World Cups, 3 UEFA Super Cups and 8 Spanish Super Cups.
