Argentine superstar Lionel Messi knows not of life outside La Liga. The Barcelona attacker joined the club's renowned academy, La Masia, as a youngster, and since then, has been at center stage of one of the Blaugrana's most successful period.
However, since the appointment of Luis Enrique as the Catalan giants' manager back in May, rumors have been linking the 27-year-old Argentina captain with a move away from Barcelona, heavily tipping him with a transfer to English Premier League mega-rich sides Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United.
Messi has a times flirted with the aspect of leaving the Blaugrana, but has most recently reiterated his commitment to the club. Now, Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu has spoken up about the four-time Ballon d'Or winners' future at the club, telling Catalunya Radio Lionel is “happy” where he is.
"I see a Messi full of passion. He wants to finish his career here and his future is not up for debate. He's decided to put an end to all that talk. He has a contract here and he's happy," Bartomeu stated.
Bartomeu also explained the sacking of Andoni Zubizarreta as sporting director, claiming the 53-year-old Spaniard grew "sick of all the criticism", whilst assuring the supporters not to worry over his replacement.
"Barcelona fans can sleep easy, because whoever it is that is chosen to be the new director of football, the club has a lot of qualified individuals to choose from. The person chosen will be someone that has already been connected to the club."
