Pep Guardiola stance on Man City signing Lionel Messi from Barcelona - ‘That is my wish’

Posted Saturday, February 08, 2020 by Express.co.uk

Pep Guardiola stance on Man City signing Lionel Messi from Barcelona - ‘That is my wish’
Man City: Pep Guardiola's stance on signing Lionel Messi from Barcelona (Image: GETTY Images)

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed his stance on a sensational transfer swoop for Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, insisting that it's his wish for the forward to remain in Catalonia, amid claims that he could be leaving the Nou Camp on a free transfer this summer.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has downplayed rumours linking the Citizens with a summer transfer move for Barcelona star Lionel Messi. The forward has reportedly grown frustrated at the Nou Camp, and could leave on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Messi has fallen out with sporting director Eric Abidal at Barcelona.

Abidal accused some of the Barcelona players of not giving 100 per cent for former manager Ernesto Valverde.

Messi reacted angrily to Abidal’s stance, and wrote on Instagram that senior management were equally as responsible as the players.

After it emerged that a clause in Messi’s contract would allow him to leave for free at the end of the season, he has been linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium.

But, Guardiola has made it clear that he believes Messi will remain in Catalonia.

The City boss hopes Messi stays at the Nou Camp, and refused to speculate on the player’s future.

“Messi is a player for Barcelona,” said Guardiola. “He will stay there.

“That is my wish. I am not going to talk about players at another club.

“I think he will finish his career there.”