Pep rejects Messi rumors - ‘I want him to retire at Barca’

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The boss wants Messi to retire at Barcelona

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has dismissed rumors that Lionel Messi could decide to leave Barcelona and join him at the Etihad Stadium.

Messi’s future has hit the headlines this week after he hit back at sporting director Eric Abidal following criticism by the Frenchman of the Barcelona players.

The Athletic and ESPN are just two of the outlets who have reported Manchester City could move for Messi, and Guardiola was asked about the speculation in his press conference on Friday.

“Messi is a player for Barcelona. 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.”

Messi’s current Barcelona contract runs until 2021, although it has been reported that the deal includes an escape clause that allows him to leave for free at the end of any season for a non-European club.

Source: barcablaugranes.com