Lionel Messi – who is in his last six months of his contract with Barcelona – has already made himself available in the transfer market. Speculations were rife that Messi would reunite with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City in 2020 when he informed the club that he wanted to leave following the 8-2 humiliation against Bayern Munich in Champions League.
Now, City CEO Ferran Soriano has reacted to the possibilities of Messi coming to Etihad. Hailing him as the best footballer in the world, Soriano reckoned that the six-time Ballon D’Or-winner has earned the right to decide what he does next.
While speaking to Catalunya Radio, without revealing a lot in the fear of being misquoted, he said: “Anything I say, even if it is obvious, can make a misunderstood headline. It’s clear that Messi has earned the right to choose what he wants to do. He’s the best in the world.”
Soriano reckons that now – unlike the past – nothing blocks him from leaving Barcelona.
“In previous situations when there were rumours about a potential departure from Barca, he had some obstacles. Now he has nothing that blocks him. He will choose where to play. We’re aware of all the players in the world, but we don’t participate in individual decisions. As Manchester City CEO, I can’t say anything,” he added further.
Things went downhill for Messi since the Champions League exit. But then he made a dramatic U-turn and decided to stay back at Camp Nou. Meanwhile, City officials had met Messi’s father then to lure them to Etihad. Some reports also suggested that Messi was in talks with Guardiola about what is to be done.
With Guardiola, Messi enjoyed maximum success and the 33-year-old wants to repeat it.