Paris Saint-Germain have officially announced the signing of Lionel Messi.
Barcelona confirmed in a statement last Thursday that Messi would be leaving the Camp Nou, despite agreeing a new contract with the club, due to 'Spanish LaLiga regulations on player registration.'
The six-time Ballon d'Or winner bid a tearful farewell to his club of 21 years in a press conference on Sunday, as he reiterated he did not want to leave Catalonia.
However, the decision was out of his hands and PSG have swooped in to sign Messi on a two-year contract until 2023, which could be extended by a further 12 months.
The Argentina international said he was delighted to have completed a move to the French capital, per the club's official website.
"I am excited to begin a new chapter of my career at Paris Saint-Germain," said Messi.
"Everything about the club matches my football ambitions. 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."
Despite the world's best player being available on a free transfer, neither Manchester club made a move to sign him this summer.
Manchester City were interested in signing Messi last summer when he announced that he wanted to leave Barcelona, but a u-turn from the player on that decision in order to avoid a legal battle with the club scuppered the move.
City's Chief Operating Officer Omar Berrada did tell the Manchester Evening News in October that the Premier League champions could afford a move, but instead the club have signed Jack Grealish and still want to bring in Harry Kane.
United, meanwhile, have not shown interest in 34-year-old Messi, with their transfer strategy geared towards signing younger players.
