It all came as a shock to Barcelona fans when eight times Balon D’or winner, Lionel Messi announced on Wednesday, that he’ll be moving to the American side Inter Miami in Major League Soccer after his two-year contract with Paris Saint Germain ended.
Many speculated his return to Barcelona, as there were several reports that negotiations are ongoing to bring him to Barca.
Speaking about Messi’s shocking move, Xavi Hernandez, Barcelona’s coach said, that Messi was under too much pressure in Paris, and he wanted a place where he could play peacefully without much pressure.
Xavi also admitted that as much as they wanted him back in the club, it’s his personal decision and they’ll have to respect it
“He hasn’t had a good time in these two years (in Paris) and now he doesn’t want that type of pressure,” Xavi said on Twitch.
“It’s a personal decision and the circumstances didn’t help, but the decision is Leo’s and we have to respect it, he’s the best in history.”
It seems that it is now the habit of footballers to join not-so-popular clubs when they are close to their retirement age. Christiano Ronaldo, Messi’s rival also joined Al Hilal after the termination of his contract with Manchester United.