Man City boss Pep Guardiola has claimed that Lionel Messi could be open to a move to the Premier League in the future. However, Guardiola did add that he hopes the forward remains at the Camp Nou for the rest of his career.
Messi, 29, has been with Barcelona throughout his whole professional career picking up a huge haul of trophies along the way. The Argentine has won eight La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues, three Club World Cups and four Copa del Reys.
However, Guardiola, who managed Messi from 2008 to 2012, believes that the superstar could be open to a move to the Premier League in the future.
Guardiola, when asked by reporters if he approached Messi ahead of a potential transfer to Man City, said: “I didn’t call Leo Messi. Because my greatest wish is for him to finish his career here.
“So he can play many years here, because this is the best place for him to stay.
“But eventually, one day, the kid may decide to play elsewhere. Maybe because he wants his sons to learn English, or to live a new experience, like it has happened to many of us in the past. That is a possibility.
“But if one day he decides to do so, and I wish it won’t happen, but if it happens there will be a list of four, five people and clubs wanting to sign him.
“But you know who is going to decide that? It will be he. It won’t be me, if I want to sign him, or anybody else. It will be the decision of Leo Messi.”
Messi, despite playing in a deeper role under Luis Enrique, has been in clinical form this season scoring five La Liga goals in six games. The 29- year-old has also created 11 chances, registering two assists. Furthermore, Messi has completed 60% of his take-ons – highlighting how difficult he is to stop when the ball is at his feet.
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