By Leshi Adebayo
With a tearful expression, Messi began his last speech at Barcelona. Lionel Messi accompanied by his family, members of the Barcelona first team delivered the speech which will never be forgotten in the history of Barcelona even LaLiga. The speech he gave was centered on his contract, his feelings concerning his departure from Barcelona.
Although, President of Barcelona, Joan Laporte gave reasons behind Messi’s departure but it would not have been complete without Messi’s views on the matter. The Press Conference was held at the Auditori 1899, Nou Camp.
Beginning his speech, Messi said, “Over the last few days I have been thinking about what I was going to say, what I could say. The truth is that I am stuck, it’s really difficult for me after so may years, a whole life. I was not prepared. I was convinced I was staying, at home, that’s what we wanted. We always placed our own happiness first, being at home, enjoying life in Barcelona on sporting and personal level.”
Again, Messi added: “It’s time to say goodbye…it has been a long time, a whole life. I arrived here at 13 years of age and I cannot be more proud of what I have done and experienced in this city where I will surely return one day, that I have promised to my kids also. I want to thank all may team mates and former team mates. I have always tried to behave with humility and respect and I hope that is what stays here with people, as well as everything I had to fortune to give to the Club.”
Furthermore, Messi went on to thank his fans by saying, “I would also like to thank the people’s affection towards me, I would have liked to say goodbye in a different way. To be able to do it out there on the field, hear my last ovation, have them close, hear the cheering…I leave the Club without having seen them for a year and a half. I have felt the recognition and the love that I also feel for the Club. Let’s hope I can return at some point and help as best I can because this Club is still the best in the world.” After this section, he gave room to pressmen and women to ask questions.
When he was asked about on breakdown in negotiations, Messi said,
“Everything was agreed and then at the last moment, because of the issue with La Liga, it could not be done. I did all I could to stay, that’s what I wanted but it could not be done. I accepted a 50% pay cut and after that nothing else was asked of me. I feel so sad to leave the club I love at a moment that I did not expect. I never lied, I was always up front.” He reiterated further that, “After the elections I went to dinner with Laporte and after that I was convinced I was going to stay. My contract was never a problem and then what happened, happened and it was not to be. I have always been up front with the members and fans, what was important for me was to tell the truth to the people who gave me so much, as I did for them. We have grown up and had fun together.”
The Copa America Winner agreed that leaving Barcelona was the most difficult decision he had to make. He said, “this is the most difficult moment of my sporting career. I have had a few difficult moments, many defeats but nothing like this. There is no coming back, it’s the end at this Club and now a new story begins. I grew up with the values of this Club, humility and respect and that’s how I have worn the Barça shirt everywhere and that I am recognized for this is part of my football and me.”
On a final note, Messi had a message of hope for Barça fans, “Barça is the biggest team in the world and they have a great squad. The Club is more important than anything and people will get used to that. At first it will be strange but they will come around.”
Source: Barca.com
1 Comment