"Barcelona" club failed to agree on a new contract with the five-time world's best footballer. Catalans sadly have to announce that Lionel Messi was lured by Chinese money.
After this season, the Argentine will move to the Shanghai SIPG team, where stars like Oscar, Ricardo Carvalho, and Hulk already play.
It was the latter who helped Messi negotiate a contract worth up to a million euros per week.
"Hulk is my childhood hero - I couldn't take my eyes off his comics," Messi said.
"After watching the movie based on them for the first time, there was no turning back - then the dream was born to lure him to 'Barca'.
However, now he moved to China, so in order to fulfill my dream, I have to move to Shanghai."
"I am glad that I will be able to play with him not only in one team, but also negotiating for a contract with his help. Now I will earn a million euros per week, so I will be able to swim in money."
"I want to send my wishes to Cristiano Ronaldo - guess who will be the highest-earning footballer in the world next season?"
Messi scored 40 goals and made 15 assists within this season in the ranks of "Barcelona". It's scary to think how the sniper will rampage in China.
Happy April 1st!
