Why I'll return to Barcelona in few years' time - Messi

Departing Barcelona captain, Lionel Messi, on Sunday said he and his family would return to the club in a few years' time because the Catalan club is their home.

Messi said this during his farewell speech on Sunday in Spain.

Barcelona had announced on Thursday that Messi would leave the club on a free transfer this summer.

The LaLiga giants announced that Messi would not be signing a new contract due to LaLiga regulations.

"I can tell you in a few years we want to come back because this is my home," Messi said.

"I am just really grateful to my teammates and former teammates, everyone that has been by my side. There are so many people.

"For this club I have so much respect. So many beautiful things have happened. Also some bad things, but all this helped me to grow and improve and make me the person I am today.

"I gave everything for this shirt from the first day until the very last. The truth is that I am leaving."