Lionel Messi has completed a
sensational move to Paris Saint-
Germain on a two-year deal after
leaving Barcelona following 21
incredible years.
The Argentina captain became a free
agent this summer after his contract
with Barcelona expired. The club was
expected to re-sign him after positive
initial talks between all parties but
LaLiga’s financial regulations made it
impossible.
On Tuesday, August 10, Messi flew
from Spain to France to sign a two-
year contract which includes an
option to extend by a year and gives
the forward a net salary of about
€35m (£29.6m) with bonuses factored
in.
According to Mail Online, the deal
will see Messi earn £1million a week,
and he will wear the number 30 shirt,
his first Barcelona number.
A statement on PSG’s official Twitter
account said: “Paris Saint-Germain is
delighted to announce the signing of
Leo Messi on a two-year contract
with an option of a third year.
The
six-time Ballon d’Or winner is
justifiably considered a legend of the
game and a true inspiration for those
of all ages inside and outside football.
“The signing of Leo reinforces Paris
Saint-Germain’s aspirations as well as
providing the club’s loyal fans with
not only an exceptionally talented
squad, but also moments of incredible
football in the coming years.”
Upon competing his move, Messi said:
‘I am excited to begin a new chapter
of my career at Paris Saint-Germain.
Everything about the club matches my
football ambitions. I know how
talented the squad and the coaching
staff are here. I am determined to
help build something special for the
club and the fans.’
The Argentina superstar will be
officially presented as a Paris Saint-
Germain player on Wednesday August
11.
Messi joined Barcelona as a 15-year-
old and went on to make his senior
debut in 2004 at just 16 years old,
featuring 778 times for the club in
total across his 21-year-career.
During that time Messi became
Barcelona’s record scorer with 672
goals including 120 Champions League
goals and a record 474 LaLiga goals.
He also managed 10 LaLiga titles, four
Champions Leagues and seven Copa
del Reys.
Messi’s individual contribution also
saw him claim the European Golden
Shoe award for the continent’s top
scorer on six occasions.