Given the recent turmoil at Barcelona and the tension between Lionel Messi and Eric Abidal, rumors linking the Argentine with a Barcelona exit were inevitable. Once again, the Blaugrana legend is being touted with a move to the Premier League, namely Man City.
The reasons are obvious: the Citizens are one of the few clubs that can afford the six-time Ballon d’Or winner’s high wages. Then there is the Pep Guardiola connection, with Leo’s former manager being at the helm of the Premier League giants.
However, when asked about these rumors, Pep all but killed the speculation, offering an honest answer to reporters. The Spanish tactician, who is preparing his side for their upcoming clash with West Ham, admitted that he cannot see the 32-year-old leaving the Blaugrana, nor does he wish to see Messi depart from Catalonia.
“He is a player from Barcelona and he will stay there, that’s my wish for him to stay there,” Pep said, as per the Guardian.
“I’m not going to talk about players playing for other clubs. I think he will finish his career there, that’s my wish.”
This, though, is unlikely to end the rumors. It is believed the 32-year-old is unhappy with the board and the leadership – or lack thereof – at Barcelona.
His recent spat with Abidal is seen as the boiling point. The Frenchman hinted in an interview with Sport that the players gave up on Valverde and were thus responsible for his sacking, sparking a shocking public outburst from the quiet Argentine.
Things are made worse by the clause in Leo’s contract that allows their all-time leading scorer to leave the club this summer for free. Whether he will remain a one-club man or test himself elsewhere, time will tell.
