Any coach would say they would love to have Lionel Messi in their team, but not Pep Guardiola. He wants the Argentine to stay in Barcelona, rather than joining him at Manchester City.
He was the one who brought Messi, gave him a bright future in his career as they both won three league titles, two Champions League trophies, as well as winning a total of 14 trophies together.
Messi is under contract until 2021, but he has a clause allowing him to leave for free this summer, although Guardiola does not want him to leave Barcelona.
“He will stay there, that’s my wish,” Pep said.
Speculations rife over the possibility of Messi’s departure after he lashed out against Barcelona sporting director Eric Abidal who accused the players of not working hard under former coach Ernesto Valverde.
But Pep Guardiola refused to be involved in the spat.
“I’m not going to talk about players for other clubs. I think he will finish his career there.”