Lionel Messi Leaves FC Barcelona As Contract Negotiations Collapse
Barcelona FC have confirmed that Lionel Messi will not sign a new contract after negotiations broke down.
“Despite FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi having reached an agreement and the clear intention of both parties to sign a new contract today, this cannot happen because of financial and structural obstacles (Spanish Liga regulations),” a statement on the club’s website reads.
“As a result of this situation, Messi shall not be staying on at FC Barcelona. Both parties deeply regret that the wishes of the player and the club will ultimately not be fulfilled.”
“FC Barcelona wholeheartedly expresses its gratitude to the player for his contribution to the aggrandisement of the club and wishes him all the very best for the future in his personal and professional life.”
Messi, 34, came up through FC Barcelona’s youth ranks and has spent his entire senior football career at the club. Now a free agent, he is set to embark on a new adventure.
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