The famous Catalan coach has seen an approach of the six-time Ballon d’Or winner mooted as an all-time great continues to fulfil his current contract towards free agency.
Guardiola always maintained that he wants to see Messi stays at Barca
Pep Guardiola’s father, Valenti, acknowledges that the Manchester City manager would welcome Lionel Messi to the Etihad Stadium. But doubts a move will be made as his son never wanted to “hurt” those at Barcelona. The famous Catalan coach has seen an approach of the six-time Ballon d’Or winner mooted as an all-time great continues to fulfil his current contract towards free agency. City are one of the few clubs in world football that could offer Messi the financial and athletic aspirations he craves. Still, Guardiola has always maintained that he wants to see the iconic Argentine remain at Barcelona and see the most remarkable careers as a one-club man. Valenti Guardiola can’t see Messi moving to England, new conditions being given to him in Spain, with a long-running saga due to close this summer.
Pep never wanted to harm Barcelona
He told Emiliano Nunia: “There is no club in the world that wouldn’t want to have Messi. I saw him play at 12 or 13 years old, and I was amazed. He was extraordinary at that level. There are very few players like Messi, and I’m sure Pep wouldn’t dislike having him at City. Pep always thought Messi was the best, but he’s at Barcelona. Josep never wanted to harm the club by taking the player.” While doubting that his son would make the deal for Messi, Valenti also said that Guardiola has no intention of taking charge of the Spain national side. He, however, will support any decisions that are made when it comes to life in the dugout.
Guardiola is tied to a contract at Man City until the summer of 2023, with the 50-year-old – who has guided his current club to the Champions League final and is fast closing in on another Premier League title – in a position where he can dictate his future. Valenti added: “I have always belonged to Barcelona, and I always want them to win. But I want Josep to win first. My son is first, and then I also enjoy when Barcelona win. I am very pleased with the decisions that he can make. He can coach Barcelona, retire or whatever. At his age, I no longer need to teach him anything. Everything he does will make me happy.”