Lionel Messi has apologised for his unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia and attempted to explain the situation that has resulted in a suspension by Paris Saint-Germain.
Messi explains that he believed the squad would have the day off after the match, a 3-1 defeat to Lorient, as had been the case in the weeks beforehand. He adds that his trip to Saudi Arabia – as part of his commitments as the country’s tourism ambassador – had already been cancelled before and could not be postponed further.
Messi on his suspension:
'I thought we were going to have a day off after the game as always happened. I had this trip organized and I couldn't cancel it. I had already canceled it before. I apologize to my teammates and I'm waiting for what the club wants to do with me.'