Romero reveals Messi wanted him at Barcelona

Cristian Romero

revealed that

Lionel Messi

wanted to put a deal in place for the Argentine international that would see him join

before the situation with the six-time Ballon d’Or winner changed significantly.

The 34-year-old was going to pen a new deal with the Blaugrana, letting him stay in La Liga and play next to Sergio Aguero, Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia.

The former Barcelona legend, however, joined PSG on a free transfer, while Romero, who enjoyed the Copa America victory with Messi, is now playing for

after completing a move worth €50 million (£42m/$59m) from Atalanta.

The Argentine admitted that things could have headed in a different path should Messi have stayed in Barcelona, telling

Radio AM 550

:

"The fact that Messi would want me in his team, and that he wanted me to come to Barcelona is amazing.

"The team that PSG have built is crazy. I'm a bit sad about how Leo left Barcelona, I thought he would have stayed there forever. I wish him all the best, he's a great person and hopefully he can win everything alongside the other Argentinians there."

The 23-year-old has established himself over the last few years as he had to depart Juventus to gain more regular game time.

He had his Argentina senior international debut in June and now he is a champion.

Romero added:

"I'm thankful to Messi and for everything that I shared with him and the rest of the national team. From the first day the group made me feel like I'd been there for years. That's just the kind of group it is there."

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