Former Barca boss drops hint at move for star
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted it isn’t ‘out of the question’ for Barcelona star Lionel Messi to ever move to England.
The pair will face up against each other tonight, as Guardiola takes his Manchester City side to the Nou Camp in the Champions League.
Speaking to press ahead of the game, Guardiola discussed the Argentine, a man who helped him win so many trophies during his time in charge of the Spanish champions.
“I didn’t call Leo Messi,” said Guardiola. “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 has recovered from his recent injury in time to take part in the big match, and Guardiola thinks the occasion would not be complete without him.
“I am playing against Barcelona and obviously their best player is Leo Messi,” added the City boss.
“I am happy he has recovered from his injury and is able to play. It is always a pleasure, and a satisfaction to see him play.
“I don’t know what instructions I can give the players to control the talent.
“Ninety minutes is a long time. They will have a moment and they are so precise. They don’t need to create a lot of chances to score a goal.
“It is a good test for us, to know our level against – for me – the best team.”
By Ben Kelly – @benkelly_10
