Messi bids Barcelona farewell

Messi is ending his 21-year association with Barcelona, who cannot afford to honour the new contract they agreed with him because of La Liga’s salary limit.

The record six-time Ballon d’Or winner, 34, is now a free agent.

“My family and I were convinced we were going to stay here, at home. This is the end with this club and now a new story will begin. Yes, it’s one of the most difficult moments for me” he said during a news conference on Sunday.

He added, “I don’t want to leave this club – it’s a club I love and this is a moment I didn’t expect. Last year I wanted to leave, this year I wanted to stay. That’s why I’m so sad. It was like my blood ran cold. I was really sad. It was really difficult right up to now. I’m still trying to process it all. When I get home I will still feel bad; it will be even worse. I’m not ready for this.”