PARIS - Lionel Messi's departure from Barcelona is official.
The 34-year-old Argentinian forward signed a two-year deal Tuesday with Paris Saint-Germain of Ligue 1 with an option for a third year. Financial terms were not announced, but The New York Times reported Messi will earn $41 million (R 607 730 700,00) per year.
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Messi had spent his entire pro career with Barcelona, but his contract expired and the two sides couldn't agree on a new deal. His last contract was for four years and $674 million, and he was looking at a massive pay cut to return to the Spanish side.
"I am excited to begin a new chapter of my career at Paris Saint-Germain. Everything about the club matches my football ambitions," Messi said Tuesday in a statement. "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, and I am looking forward to stepping out onto the pitch at the Parc des Princes."
🔛![CDATA[]]>📽️ - Day 1⃣ of Messi in Paris
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) August 11, 2021
❤️💙 #PSGxMESSI pic.twitter.com/WZgmASiEcj
Messi already is in Paris and will be formally introduced as part of the team Wednesday.
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Messi registered 25 goals and 21 assists in 33 matches (starts) for Barcelona in La Liga play in 2019-20, then had 30 goals and nine assists in 35 matches (33 starts) in 2020-21.
He has won 34 titles in 16 seasons with Barcelona, including four Champions League and 10 La Liga crowns. He is a six-time Ballon d'Or-winner.
Reuters