Lionel Messi wept as he bade farewell to his boyhood team FC Barcelona and confirmed he was talking with French club Paris Saint-Germain over a possible move.
The 34-year-old Argentine's emotional news conference followed Barca's announcement last week that it could no longer afford him after a glittering two decades.
French newspaper L'Equipe reported on Sunday that he will travel to Paris either Monday (NZ time) or Tuesday to undertake a medical and finalise a deal with the Qatar Sports Investment-owned club.
Spanish newspaper Marca reported PSG formally sent their offer to Messi on Monday morning, just as the Argentine held the news conference.
While Messi did not confirm he would definitely join the Parisians, he said his plans were to carry on playing as long as possible, adding he still harbours ambitions to win another Champions League trophy.
"As long as I go on being competitive and as long as my body responds (I'll carry on playing)," he told a news conference.
"As long as I can, I will carry on competing."
PSG declined to comment on the report that Messi would be arriving in Paris later on Monday.
"We are not in a position to confirm anything," a club spokesman said.
Reuters
