'I had the honor of coaching the best player in football history' - PSG coach Galtier confirms Messi's departure this summer

2023-06-02 08:35

'I had the honor of coaching the best player in football history' - PSG coach Galtier confirms Messi's departure this summer


Lionel Messi and Paris Saint-Germain will part ways this summer when their contract expires. The match against Clermont in the last round of Ligue 1 on Friday, June 3 is confirmed to be the last game for the Argentine to represent PSG Paris.


"I have had the privilege of coaching the best player in football history," PSG Paris boss Christophe Galtier made clear in his pre-match conference on Thursday. "Tomorrow will be his last game at the Parc des Princes and I hope he receives a warm welcome."


"He's been a great part of the team this year. Always available, consistently in training. I don't think any criticism of him is justified."


"Leo, at the age of 35, had a mid-season World Cup campaign and finished with 21 goals and 20 assists in all competitions - not counting the World Cup. Whether in transition, passing or finishing, he has always Both playing for the team. It has been a great honor to coach him and be with him this season," concluded Galtier.


Messi has played 74 times for Paris Saint-Germain since 2021, with a total of 32 goals and 36 assists. He brought two Ligue 1 titles to PSG, but missed the UEFA Champions League due to the limited lineup and tactical status.


The Argentine's whereabouts this summer has so far been inconclusive. It is known that Al-Hilal, former club Barcelona and several unnamed Premier League teams have approached Messi, and Al-Hilal even proposed a generous offer of 1.2 billion for him in two years.