Lionel Messi really is leaving Barcelona, it seems.On Tuesday night, multiple reports emerged that the Argentine told the club by fax that he wanted to leave Camp Nou this summer.Not only did he want to leave but he wanted to trigger a clause in his contract that would see him leave on a free transfer. Immediately.Barcelona then confirmed those reports to the Associated Press.Wow.But who could afford a 33-year-old Messi who is pocketing almost £1 million in wages every week - not to mention the ridiculous signing-on-fee and agent fees?
Well Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have, perhaps unsurprisingly, emerged as front-runners.But it seems there is some substance there.Reports emerged suggesting Messi had spoken to Guardiola in recent days. Then, it was claimed Messi had decided to move to Man City. And then it was reported that City had crunched the numbers and could afford the six-time Ballon d’Or winner.Throughout all of this, Messi had remained silent.That was until now.
That’s because, according to Argentinian newspaper La Nacion, Messi has finally broken his silence.They report they’ve had access to someone close to Messi, who confirms that he has decided to play for City.Messi is reported to have said: “I have made the decision to leave Barcelona with Antonella (his wife). It hurts my soul, but this is done. The cycle is complete.
“I will talk with Guardiola for him to sort out my arrival at Manchester City. They play incredible football and it’s what I want.”
Again, wow.
If Messi actually heading to Man City and the Premier League?
Argentine media seem to think so.
It will take an incredible effort for even City to pull off the deal but if reports are to be believed, Messi wants to move to the Etihad.
Watch. This. Space.
This is going to be the most incredible transfer saga in football history and it's not going to be settled anytime soon.