Lionel Messi admits he may need to undergo a rigorous pre-season before making his Paris Saint-Germain debut.
The six-time Ballon D'Or winner was officially presented to the media this morning.
He completed his move to the French giants yesterday, signing a two-year deal.
Some reports had suggested that the Argentinian could be in line for a debut as soon as this weekend.
PSG take on Strasbourg on Saturday evening.
However, the 34-year-old conceded he may need to train on his own to get up to speed before taking to the field.
👀 #PSGxMESSI pic.twitter.com/DRmQvKrdwy
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) August 11, 2021
"I was on holidays and it's very new," he said.
"I spoke yesterday with the technical staff, so maybe I need a pre-season myself.
"I am going to begin to train and work. I hope I can play as soon as I can. I really want to.
"But I can't exactly answer your question. When I feel it, when the staff thinks I am okay, then I will be ready to play."
Messi's new deal is reportedly worth €35 million a year, and also includes the option of a third season in Paris.
He told the media that he believes joining the club gives him the best opportunity of achieving his dream of winning the Champions League again.
“They knew I would arrive in a strong team, a team aiming to win the Champions League,” he said.
“When you see the squad, you really want to play with them. There are many possibilities.
“I know that my goals and the goals of Paris are the same,”
The Parisians ambition of winning an elusive European trophy has floundered close to the finishing line in recent seasons.
They lost in the final in 2020, before losing to Manchester City in the semi-finals earlier this year.
Speaking alongside Messi, PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi said their new signing will "bring a lot of trophies" to the club.
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