In an emotional address, Leo Messi said goodbye to FC Barcelona following a 21-year stint at the club, where he wrote his name into footballing folklore. In his address, Leo stated that: "This is very difficult for me after so many years and having made a life for myself here. I was certain that we would be staying on here this year, in our home, which is what we really wanted. I'm here today to say goodbye after so many years and a whole lifetime here. I joined the club as a very young boy, at the age of 13, and leave with a wife and three Catalan-Argentine children. This is our home, I promised our children about that. I'm grateful for everything I have experienced, to my teammates, former teammates, the club staff, both those we see and those who work behind the scenes. I defended this club's values and tried to do so with humility and respect towards everyone within this institution. I experienced so many great things and also some bad times, but all of those experiences helped me to develop and become who I am today. I gave my all for this club and this shirt from the first day until the very last. I leave here feeling more than satisfied. I want to thank everyone for the kindness they've always shown me. I'd have liked to have been leaving under different circumstances. I never even imagined having to say goodbye and would have liked to have left with fans in the stands and received a final ovation from them. I missed them so badly when games were played behind closed doors and we were unable to have them near to us, feel them willing us on and hear them chanting my name. I leave this club after having gone a year and a half without seeing them. I imagined saying goodbye in front of the fans and saying a proper farewell. However, this is how things have turned out and I want to thank the fans for all of their affection. We've had some really good times and also some bad ones, but that affection was always there are. I felt their recognition and love and hope that I can one day return to this club and help to ensure it continues to be the greatest club in the world."
