Koeman comments on Messi’s departure, reveals Barcelona secret to shine

Speaking at the press conference for the Barcelona-Real Sociedad game, Koeman said in response to a question about Messi’s departure from Barcelona after spending 17 years at the Spanish club: “I think it was a painful thing for everyone Catalan.”

Koeman added: “I understand very well what Messi has given to this club and his great technical abilities. He will be missed because he is an important player in the history of Barcelona”, according to the Spanish newspaper “AS”.

And he said: “We can’t just live with the past, these things happen. The players change clubs and we have enthusiastic young people who have a great future.”

Koeman continued: “I hope we have the support and the support of the fans, Messi is now in the past, and we have to live with what is happening and what awaits us in the future. You have to live today and tomorrow and work hard to get what you want. “

Regarding the new season, Koeman explained: “I know that there has been a lot of talk about Messi, it is normal because we are talking about the best player in the world and what he gave us in Barcelona and won many titles. with us, but he’s not here now and we have to take care of the young players and that we have a very strong team. ”to win championships.

Paris Saint-Germain introduced their new star Messi to supporters at Parc des Princes, before facing Strasbourg in the French League on Saturday, but the Argentine captain was not in squad for the game.

Messi entered the pitch alongside new players Sergio Ramos, goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi and Jorginho Wijnaldum, and spoke to the enthusiastic fans.

Messi said: “It’s a very special week for me. I want to thank everyone for the welcome since I arrived in Paris. It was amazing. I feel very happy and with a lot of enthusiasm.”

Messi joined Saint-Germain last week on a two-year contract with a clause allowing for an extra year, after Barcelona announced they could not afford to retain their all-time high scorer due to fair play rules financier of the Spanish League.