[ad_1]
Argentina star Lionel Messi has signed a two-year contract with French club Paris Saint-Germain, after leaving Barcelona for good.
Messi will wear the number 30 shirt, the same number he wore in Barcelona when he debuted, while Neymar will retain the number 10.
On Sunday Messi, 34, announced his official departure from Barcelona, the only club he had played for throughout his career, due to the club’s inability to accept a new contract with him due to the rules of the financial fair play of the Spanish League.
“I look forward to the start of a new chapter in my career in Paris. There is a perfect harmony between my ambitions and the aspirations of the club,” said the Argentine star.
Messi added: “I know how talented the players and staff are. I am determined to achieve, alongside them, something wonderful for the club and the fans. I can’t wait to set foot in the Gardens. of the Princes. “
Under the contract, there is an option to continue for a third year, until 2024, with Paris Saint-Germain.
“continue development”
Qatari Nasser Al-Khelaifi, president of Paris Saint-Germain, said: “I am delighted that Lionel Messi has chosen to join Paris Saint-Germain, and we are proud to welcome him to Paris with his family.”
The businessman added: “(Messi) has made no secret of his desire to continue to develop at the highest level and to win trophies. The ambition of the club is up to the task.”
Al-Khelaifi explained that the addition that Lionel Messi will represent “to our world team confirms the importance and success of our choices. Together with our wonderful coach and staff, I can’t wait to see our team make history. for all of our fans around the world. “
Messi is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, and the Argentine star has scored 672 goals in 778 games for Barcelona, the club he joined when he was 13.
The striker has won the Ballon d’Or six times and won 35 titles with the Catalan club.
Messi became the fourth free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain this summer after Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum of Liverpool, Spain defender Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid and Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Moroccan right-back Achraf Hakimi of Inter Milan has also joined.
Messi will play on offense to form an advanced trio alongside the most expensive players of all time, Brazil’s Neymar and Frenchman Kylian Mbappe.
A Paris Saint-Germain squad press conference will be held at Parc des Princes on Wednesday at 10:00 GMT to announce details of the deal.
Messi could play his first game for Paris Saint-Germain at home against Strasbourg next Saturday.
Paris Saint-Germain, coached by Argentinian Maurizio Pochettino, finished the French Ligue 1 last season in second place behind Lille.
Source link