Soccer
Lionel Messi’s departure from Barcelona marks the end of an era
This past Sunday, Lionel Messi held a press conference to mark the end of his time at Barcelona. He broke down crying because he was sad to leave a club he had been at for many years.
Messi wanted to stay, but Barcelona could not keep him because of financial and structural obstacles.
He had some interesting comments about his departure.
“I don’t know; what I have very clear is that I did everything I could. From my side, I did everything to stay; that is what I wanted.” He talked about why it was hard for him to leave.
“Many things get in my head, and I am a bit blocked. Until today it has not sunk in yet.
“I have been in the first team for 16 years, and to start from scratch is hard for me and my family especially. We will adapt to what comes next. We have to accept it.”
He also explained why this is the hardest moment of his career.
“No doubt, this is the hardest moment. We had hurtful defeats, but football gives you a chance to avenge that. But there is no turning point to this. I feel very sad now as I have to leave a club that I love. I did not expect this. I always told the truth. Last year I wanted to leave; this year, I did not want to leave.”
He discussed his legacy for the club.
“I grew with the values of this club, and I wanted to be recognized that way, but in fact, people can remember me whatever way they choose. Titles and also defeats made us grow. We had more happy moments than unhappy.” For years when people talked about Barcelona, they spoke about Messi. His departure marks the end of his time at the club and the end of an era.
One of the greatest players the game has ever seen is leaving one of the greatest clubs in the world.
He did not rule out the possibility of a return to Barcelona on Instagram. “I’m leaving, but it’s not a goodbye, just a later.” So do not be surprised if we see Messi in a Barcelona uniform again.
There will never be another Messi at Barcelona; that is how big of a departure this is.
On Tuesday, August 10, 2021, Messi signed a two-year deal with French club Paris Saint-Germain.
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Photo courtesy of the Getty Images.
