“This is very difficult”: Messi breaks down announcing his departure from Barcelona

Lionel Messi broke down at a press conference on Sunday, at which he confirmed he is leaving Barcelona, where he played his entire career. Confirming the end of his 21-year

Lionel Messi broke down at a press conference on Sunday, at which he confirmed he is leaving Barcelona, where he played his entire career. Confirming the end of his 21-year stint with Barcelona, the Argentinian superstar was left in tears while saying goodbye to his boyhood club.

Since his debut in 2003, Messi has played 778 games for the Catalan club, scoring 672 goals.

“This is very difficult, I was not prepared for this. Last year I was convinced to leave, but this year we were, my family and I wanted to continue here, in our house,” Goal.com quoted Messi as saying.

The six times a Balloon d’Or winner claimed he wanted to stay at the club and had even accepted a 50 percent salary cut to sign a new contract. But as it turned out, Barcelona couldn’t afford to keep him.

Messi has spent over two decades at Barcelona, and is the most decorated player in the club. Even his children are Argentine-Catalan.

Midfielder Sergio Busquets will now become the captain of FC Barcelona after former skipper Lionel Messi bid adieu from the club.

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