LIONEL MESSI’S REPRESENTATIVES claim quotes attributed to him in British publication Coach Magazine are false.
The Argentina star’s future remains the subject of debate given the confusion surrounding talks over a new contract at Camp Nou.
President Josep Maria Bartomeu said last week that he is not concerned about the prospect of failing to agree an extension to Messi’s deal, which expires at the end of next season, although some reports in Spain have suggested that the 29-year-old is becoming frustrated with a lack of concrete discussions between the club and his representatives.
Advertisement
Such rumours have led to speculation that Messi could be sold at the end of the season, with clubs including Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea reportedly monitoring his situation, while Real Madrid have also been linked with the star.
Messi was quoted by Coach magazine as saying: “I have always said that Barcelona has given me everything and I am here for as long as they want me to be.”
However, the Argentine superstar’s representatives and others have since claimed the interview never took place.
Links with City have persisted ever since former Barca boss Pep Guardiola took over as manager, although the Catalan coach has come under increasing scrutiny given his side’s inconsistent form, which culminated in a 4-0 loss to Everton on Sunday.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
Lionel Messi's representatives claim 'interview' was fake
Updated at 13.32
LIONEL MESSI’S REPRESENTATIVES claim quotes attributed to him in British publication Coach Magazine are false.
The Argentina star’s future remains the subject of debate given the confusion surrounding talks over a new contract at Camp Nou.
President Josep Maria Bartomeu said last week that he is not concerned about the prospect of failing to agree an extension to Messi’s deal, which expires at the end of next season, although some reports in Spain have suggested that the 29-year-old is becoming frustrated with a lack of concrete discussions between the club and his representatives.
Such rumours have led to speculation that Messi could be sold at the end of the season, with clubs including Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea reportedly monitoring his situation, while Real Madrid have also been linked with the star.
Messi was quoted by Coach magazine as saying: “I have always said that Barcelona has given me everything and I am here for as long as they want me to be.”
However, the Argentine superstar’s representatives and others have since claimed the interview never took place.
Whoops!
We couldn't find this Tweet
Links with City have persisted ever since former Barca boss Pep Guardiola took over as manager, although the Catalan coach has come under increasing scrutiny given his side’s inconsistent form, which culminated in a 4-0 loss to Everton on Sunday.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
Robbie Brady ‘not anywhere near’ Premier League transfer>
Klopp unhappy as Matip could miss 8 games ‘without doing anything wrong’>
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Barcelona Chelsea clarification La Liga Football Lionel Messi Manchester City Pep Guardiola Premier League Speculation Transfer News