Pep Guardiola speaks out on Lionel Messi to Man City rumours

Pep Guardiola speaks out on Lionel Messi to Man City rumours following his public spat with sporting director Eric Abidal.

Lionel Messi’s future has become a talking point since he embroiled himself in a public row with Eric Abidal. Barcelona’s sporting had publicly criticized the players. This angered Messi who asked him to take responsibility himself and name the players he had accused of not doing enough.

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In the midst of all of this, it was revealed that a clause in the Argentine’s contract allows him to leave Barcelona at the end of the season, should he desire to so. Since then, several clubs have been named as likely destinations for Messi, in the event that he leaves. However, Manchester City have emerged as the front runners to land the Argentine.

As slim as the chances are, Manchester City are one of the very few sides in the world that can afford Lionel Messi’s gargantuan wages and match his ambitions on the field. In Pep Guardiola and Segio Aguero, Messi will also have familiar faces greeting him.

Pep Guardiola speaks out on Lionel Messi to Man City rumours

Following the links between Manchester City and Lionel Messi, Pep Guardiola has now opened up on the matter.

“He’s a player for Barcelona, he will stay there, that is my wish” Guardiola said ahead of City’s Premier League match against West Ham.

“I’m not going to talk about players for another club. I think he’s going to finish his career there, it’s my wish.”

Barcelona’s tough times off the pitch seem to have followed them on the pitch with their recent elimination from the Copa Del Rey. Regardless, it is very unlikely that Messi will part ways with the club he has played for all his life.

The Argentine could very well fulfil Guardiola’s wish and retire at Catalonia. In the event that he does move out of the club, he may not represent another European side. Instead, he could very well head back to Argentina.

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