Messi Completes Dream Move To Athlone Town
League of Ireland club Athlone Town have arranged a press conference for this afternoon where they are expected to announce the signing of Lionel Messi. The first division outfit had been trying to keep the news quiet until now but the man himself was spotted at Dublin Airport this morning and when questioned, he confirmed it’s a done deal.
“I keep pinching myself to make sure this is really happening.” said the Argentinian. “Finally, I’m Athlone bound. Even when things were going well for me at Barcelona I must admit I was always dreaming that one day I would play for Athlone. This is why you become a footballer. To test yourself on the biggest stage of all, the second tier of the League of Ireland.”
Messi said he can’t wait to move his family to the midlands of Ireland and to immerse himself in the local culture.
“Growing up in Argentina you read about places like Kilbeggan and Moate but you don’t dare to dream that you might actually get to live there one day. In my house in Barcelona I have a picture of Tullamore’s stunning O’Connor Square on the wall and kept telling myself ‘One day Lionel, one day.’ Well that day has arrived and all my dreams have finally come true. The wife and kids can’t wait to go shopping in Athlone’s famous Golden Island Shopping Centre.”
Messi is expected to be in Athlone’s starting line up for the home fixture against Galway United this Friday night.