Lionel Messi has completed his move to PSG after bidding an emotional farewell to Barcelona and will wear the No 30 shirt despite being offered the No 10 by Neymar
Lionel Messi has opted to wear the No 30 shirt at PSG after his transfer was confirmed.
Barcelona announced last week that the Argentine was leaving the Nou Camp and the Parisians moved quick to secure his services.
Messi has signed a two-year deal at the Parc des Princes with the option of a third.
He wore the No 10 shirt for over a decade at Barcelona and was supposedly offered it by team-mate Neymar.
But the 34-year-old didn’t want to take it off the Brazilian and instead chose 30 – the number he first wore in Barcelona’s first team.
In France it is a shirt number usually reserved for the third choice goalkeeper.
He was reportedly also offered the No 19, his second shirt number at Barcelona, but opted for No 30.
Upon signing the six-time Ballon d’Or winner told PSG’s official website : “I am excited to begin a new chapter of my career at Paris Saint-Germain. 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.”
Nasser Al-Khelaifi, Chairman and CEO of Paris Saint-Germain then added: “I am delighted that Lionel Messi has chosen to join Paris Saint-Germain and we are proud to welcome him and his family to Paris.
“He has made no secret of his desire to continue competing at the very highest level and winning trophies, and naturally our ambition as a club is to do the same.
“The addition of Leo to our world class squad continues a very strategic and successful transfer window for the club.
“Led by our outstanding coach and his staff, I look forward to the team making history together for our fans all around the world.”
Messi’s arrival further bolsters a PSG squad that has welcomed a host of marquee names this summer.
The French side, who surrendered their Ligue 1 title last term, have added several players on free transfers.
Sergio Ramos joined from Real Madrid whilst Gini Wijnaldum also signed from Liverpool.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, Italy’s Euro 2020 hero, moved from AC Milan. Achraf Hakimi joined from Inter Milan for €60m.
PSG’s Qatari owners remain desperate to finally win the Champions League, a competition Messi has won four times.
