LIONEL MESSI has revealed why he’s joining Inter Miami rather than making the “dream” return to Barcelona that he “really wanted”.
The legend admitted he’s been “unhappy” at PSG but feared Barca would have to “sell players or reduce salaries” to fit him in – and had concerns about the deal going through.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, 35, has surprised many by choosing David Beckham’s MLS side Miami over a bigger-money Saudi move.
But a Nou Camp reunion was the main alternative he had in mind.
The Argentinian World Cup winner told Mundo Deportivo and Sport: “I’ve been supporting Barca during the year. I’m a fan.
“I spoke to (manager) Xavi a lot, we discussed and we always had frequent exchanges.
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“I heard reports of La Liga giving the green light but the truth is that many, really many things were still missing in order to make my return to Barca happen
“I didn’t want to be responsible for them to sell players or reduce salaries. I was tired.”
Messi added: “I really wanted to return to Barça, I had that dream.
“But after what happened two years ago, I did not want to be in the same situation again, leaving my future in the hands of someone else.
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“I wanted to make my own decision, and that’s why my return to Barça didn’t happen. Although I would have loved to, it couldn’t be done.
“I’m not going back to Barça, I’m going to Inter Miami.’
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Messi believes his move to the MLS will help him “rediscover joy” on and off the pitch.
He said: “I’m at a point where I want to step out of the spotlight a bit, think more about my family.
“I had two years where I was so unhappy on a personal level that I didn’t enjoy it.
“I had that month that was spectacular for me because of winning the World Cup, but apart from that, it was a difficult period for me.
“I want to rediscover joy, enjoy my family, my children, the day-to-day.”
Barcelona later responded to the interview with their own statement, and were slammed by fans for appearing to “patronise” the club legend.
The Nou Camp giants wrote: “President Laporta understood and respected Messi’s decision to want to compete in a league with fewer demands, further away from the spotlight and the pressure he has been subject to in recent years.
“Both Joan Laporta and Jorge Messi also agreed to work together to promote a proper tribute from Barca fans to honour a footballer who has been, is, and always will be beloved by Barca.”
But supporters reacted furiously, as one said: “That Barcelona statement was so unnecessary and disrespectful.”
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Another raged: “This is low from Barcelona.
“Considering they are talking about their best player in club history. Don’t patronise his decision. He can do what he wants.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
