Argentine World Cup winner Lionel Messi issued an apology to his Paris Saint-Germain teammates on Friday for missing a training session on Monday. Messi was in Saudi Arabia for a promotional appearance. As a result, Messi received a suspension and will not play in any Ligue 1 games over a two-week period from May 2.
The former Barcelona star will also not be included in squad training sessions and will also be required to pay a heavy fine for being thousands of miles away without warning. Football insider Fabrizio Romano posted a video of Messi's statement and translated part of it to English, including his apology.
Lionel Messi's statement said, "I thought we were going to have a day off after the [Lorient] game as always. I had this [Saudi] trip organised & couldn't cancel it. I had already cancelled it before. I apologise to my teammates & I'm waiting for what the club wants to do with me."
Watch the video here:
Earlier today, Paris Saint Germain manager Christophe Gatlier gave his thoughts about Lionel Messi’s two-week suspension over an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia at the start of the week. Gatlier was speaking ahead of the game against ES Troyes AC at the Stade de l'Aube in Troyes and talked about how the decision had been out of his hands in any case.
He said, “I was informed by the board at the start of the week of the decision to suspend Messi. When I was informed, I had the responsibility of not commenting on it,” Galtier told a press conference ahead of Sunday’s game at Troyes.
“I’m employed by the club and that is my role… The decision was nothing to do with me. I was informed of the decision. Leo’s suspension has added to poor performances, we can’t hide behind that… I can’t say it has been a pleasant period. There’s a target to achieve, players are working hard. We are focused and committed"
