New Paris Saint-Germain signing Lionel Messi has explained why he took the number 30 jersey despite being offered number 10 by Neymar.
Read: Messi Speaks On PSG Move, Praises One Player!
The Argentine completed his move to PSG on Tuesday after ending his 21-year relationship with Barcelona when his contract expired.
The six-time Ballon d'Or took the number 30 jersey, which he wore in his early days at Barcelona.
"Number 30 was the first number I wore when I made my debut at FC Barcelona," Messi said, as per Le10Sport.
"In my early years and after so much time, it's as if I was starting something new, and it's good to be back in the 30s."
It has since been revealed that PSG had to get special permission from the league as the No.30 is reserved for goalkeepers in the topflight.
"Lionel Messi will wear number 30 for Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 Uber Eats this season - a number normally reserved for goalkeepers in the league - after reportedly turning down close friend Neymar's offer of the number ten, saying that such a shirt must be earned," the league's statement read.
"As the rules permit, the Parisian club made a request to the LFP for exemption so that its new star can wear the number he donned early in his Barcelona career.
Click through the gallery below to see where Messi ranks among PSG highest earners:
