Lionel Messi has hit back at claims that FC Barcelona asked him to play for free when his contract expired in June.
Read: Report: Messi's Ideal Next Barca Manager
The Argentine's 21-year stay at the Camp Nou came to an emotional end in June after the club were unable to re-sign him due to their financial issues.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta reveals he would've hoped that Messi made a u-turn and played for free.
However, those comments did not sit too well with the six-time Ballon d'Or winner who went on to join Paris Saint-Germain for free.
"The truth is that, as I explained on my way out, I did everything possible to stay, never at any time was I asked to play for free," the Argentine forward has told Sport.
"I was asked to cut my salary by 50 per cent and I did it without any problem. We were in a position to help the club more. The desire of me and my family was to stay in Barcelona.
"Nobody asked me to play for free but at the same time, it seems to me that the words said by the president are out of place. They hurt me because I think he doesn't need to say that, it's like getting the ball off you and not assuming its consequences, or taking charge of things.
"This makes people think or generates a type of doubt that I think I do not deserve."
Click through the gallery below to see Messi's farewell at Barcelona:
