Lionel Messi has joined Paris Saint-Germain on an initial two year deal after calling time on his illustrious Barcelona career.
Messi who became arguably the greatest footballer of all time at the Camp Nou, scoring 672 goals and creating 305 assists in 778 appearances across an 18 year spell at the Catalan club, saw his prolific spell at the Blaugrana come to an end due to the clubs financial crisis.
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner had been a free agent since July 1, although the expectation was for him to put pen to paper on a new contract at the Catalan club, however last Thursday’ s announcement he would not re-sign with Barcelona due to “financial and structural obstacles” prompted the Parisians to move quickly.
The 34- year old was said to be a target a year ago when he stated his desire to leave the club, but ended up staying and playing out the final year of his contract.
Having teased the signing on social media, PSG finally confirmed it with a video footage of their new superstar standing in the centre circles of the Parc des Princes.
He will wear the number 30 shirt, while PSG confirmed the initial contract length, it is widely reported that there is an option for a further year. Messi is reunited with his former Barcelona teammate Neymar and French star Kylian Mbappe although the future of the latter appears to be in doubt, but they will no doubt form a devastating trio in attack or the Parisians. Messi’s transfer marks the culmination of a transfer window that has seen PSG add significantly to their squad, signing Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sergio Ramos and Gini Wijnaldum on free transfers as well as Achraf Hakimi from Inter Milan for 68 million pounds. They will be looking to regain their status as ligue one champions as well as improving on their semi final exit in the Champions league last season. FotMob/goal.com