Lionel Messi is a football player for Barcelona, Man City boss Guardiola insists

Lionel Messi is a football player for Barcelona, Man City boss Guardiola insists

- Lionel Messi has decided to remain at Barcelona until his contract expires next summer

- The 33-year-old surprised the world after telling the La Liga club he wanted to leave

- Pep Guardiola has refused to speak on Man City's interest in the Argentine forward next year

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Manchester City boss pep Guardiola has openly refused to comment on Lionel Messi's transfer move to the Premier League side.

The Argentine came this close to leaving Barcelona last month after submitting his transfer notice to the club's chiefs.

After back and forth in a situation which could see both parties land in court, the 33-year-old decided to make a U-turn and remain at the Camp Nou until his contract expires next summer.

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However, when he was asked, Guardiola told reporters: "I don’t need to explain anything. Leo explained it quite well I think and I don’t have anything to add.

"We don’t have anything more to add. He is a football player for FC Barcelona - the club I love."

The Spanish born tactician has often rated Messi the best in the world, and that has not changed even as the forward is nearing his retirement.

Once his deal expires next year, Messi can walk out of the club for free but the former Barcelona manager shied away from the question linking with a return to Camp Nou.

"I don’t know, it’s a question for Leo Messi," he added. "I cannot talk about the intentions for other people."

Lionel Messi is a football player for Barcelona, Man City boss Guardiola insists
Lionel Messi warming up alongside his strike partner Suarez - Getty Images
Source: Getty Images

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner mentioned a number of things as his reason to quit the Catalan club which also includes the dispute with Barca president Josep Bartomeu.

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Legit.ng earlier reported that Pep Guardiola has claimed that Man City star Kevin De Bruyne is currently the best midfielder in the world.

The 29-year-old was named PFA Player of the Year for the 2019-20 Premier League season which saw him equal Cesc Fabregas' record of 20 assists.

But despite not helping the Citizens land the Premier League title, FA Cup and the Champions League this season Guardiola still believes no midfielder presently compares to the Belgian.

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