Barcelona: Following the breakdown of negotiations, Lionel Messi will not continue to don the Barcelona jersey this season, the club said on Thursday.
“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),” the club was quoted as saying in a statement.
“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,” the statement said.
Following the expiry of Messi’s contract at the Spanish Giants, he is now a free agent. Clubs like Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are learnt to have shown interest in the footballer.
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