Lionel Messi reveals he never wanted to quit Barcelona and difficulties he and wife Antonella had settling in at PSG

LIONEL MESSI has admitted that he found it hard to adapt to life in Paris after his "crazy" move from Barcelona.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner, 34, left the Catalan giants to join PSG last summer.

He was eager to stay at Camp Nou, however the cash-strapped club could not afford to keep him.

Now, Messi has opened up about the situation and the impact it had on him and his family.

He told TYC Sports: "It was really difficult to understand what happened, I wasn’t expecting to leave Barcelona - it was a shock.

"I had everything in Barcelona. I left when I was very young. What's more, I lived more in Barcelona than in Argentina.

"The truth is that I had no plans to change anything.

"Luckily, the children's adaptation was spectacular. For Antonella and me it was more difficult."

He later added: "Next season will be way better for me with Paris Saint-Germain, I’m sure. It was not easy after that crazy summer."

The Argentine endured a tough first season in Ligue 1.

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Various injury issues and illnesses have prevented him from hitting the same heights that he did while at Barcelona.

And as a result, he has been on the receiving end of some abuse from fans.

In March, he was subject to boos and jeers from PSG supporters during a 3-0 win against Bordeaux.

Some even demanded that he leave by writing "Leo out" on the walls of PSG's training ground.

Messi recently revealed that he struggled to find his form this year because he has been suffering with long-term effects from Covid-19.

He contracted the virus in January, but has since admitted that it had an impact on his breathing and running.

He said: "It left me with after effects in my lungs. I came back and it was like a month and a half without even being able to run because my lungs were affected."

In 34 appearances across all competitions this season, Messi has scored 11 goals and assisted 14.

Despite his mixed form, PSG are eager to keep him at the Parc des Princes.

And Messi is reportedly happy to remain in Paris until his contract expires in June 2023.