Lionel Messi sent a heartbreaking WhatsApp message to his former Barcelona teammates as he joined Paris Saint-Germain.
The 34-year-old was forced to leave the Nou Camp after 21 years as the Spanish club could not afford to keep him on their books due to La Liga's financial fair play rules.
Messi said an emotional farewell at a press conference as he broke down into tears.
The Argentina international then sealed his move to PSG as he was officially unveiled on Wednesday.
But before he did seal his switch to France's capital he sent a farewell message to his old Barca pals Gerard Pique and Cesc Fabregas explaining his exit.
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Messi has a WhatsApp group with the pair who he came through the La Masia academy alongside - known as the 'Barcelona Generation '87' - according to Argentine journalist Veronica Brunati.
She claims Messi said: "I don't want to go. There is nothing left to do, there is no money.
"The club is doing very badly, they cannot extend with me."
Asked about playing alongside Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, Messi said: "It's crazy. I am very happy sharing day to day life with them and all the squad.
"Really there are some amazing transfers - the team is incredible.
"I want to train and compete now because I'm going to be playing with the best players in the world and that's always good.
"It's very nice, it's an incredible experience to be able to enjoy this."
It was a whirlwind few days for Messi who opened up on his ordeal.
He told CNN : "Well, the truth is that it is hard to put into words what I've had to live through this week.
"It was really difficult with what happened with Barcelona, saying farewell after spending my whole life in one place.
"And after three days, without forgetting what happened, everything changed. I was living with a lot of doubt, a lot of nerves, and a lot of anticipation that this would happen. And well a lot of excitement and desire to get started.
"It was a really special arrival, the people that welcomed me on the street. I'm very excited to start this new era and my new life here in Paris."
