Lionel Messi said his decision to leave Barcelona was in the best interests of the club. The 33-year old had threatened to leave the Catalan Giants, but due to a clause in his contract deal, he had to make a u-turn.

The Argentine appealed to fans who may have felt humiliated by words he said during the transfer fiasco in his first interview after he agreed to honor his contract with the club.

"I would like to bring an end to it after so many disputes and set aside all differences.

I take responsibility for my mistakes and they were just to make Barcelona better and stronger, if there were any.

"On Tuesday, Messi told Diario Sport," If any fans were upset by anything I said or did, let there be no question that whatever I did was always with the club's best interests in mind.

Manchester City was a favorite for Messi to sign, which would have seen a reunion with Pep Guardiola, his former Barcelona boss.