Former Man City star would love to see Messi at Etihad

The former Manchester City defender would love to see Lionel Messi play for Pep Guardiola’s side if he wishes to leave Camp Nou.

Constant rumors have been circling around the Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi, whether or not he will join Manchester City. And a former Blues player expressed his eagerness to see the Argentinian at Etihad Stadium. Yes, Pablo Zabaleta revealed that he hopes Messi joins City if he leaves the Catalunya capital.

We all witnessed a shocking transfer request from the 33-year-old after Barca’s massive defeat against Bayern Munich. Messi thought he could leave Camp Nou by activating a release clause in his agreement. However, the Blaugrana officials successfully managed to keep him in La Liga.

The Argentine subsequently announced his stay at Barcelona for another year in an exclusive interview with Goal. But he also admitted that his feelings for the club were jeopardized by the unfortunate turn of events. Messi though continues to feature for Ronald Koeman’s side for the 2020-21 campaign. And despite transfer speculations, the six-time Ballon d’Or winner is attempting to bring out the best in Barca.

Zabaleta’s wish.

A former countryman would like to see Messi play for Manchester City under Pep Guardiola. Zabaleta feels that if his fellow colleague struggles at Camp Nou, he should make his way to England. “I know that Messi must not be enjoying this situation right now,” the former City defender told Marca. He must just be thinking about what is best for the future and getting the club back on track to win trophies. I don’t know the plans for City and Messi’s idea.

“The best thing for him is to focus on the current situation. If he has to change clubs, I would be very happy if City were chosen.”

Pablo Zabaleta habló sobre el futuro de Lionel Messi: "Sé que Messi no debe estar disfrutando ahora mismo de esta situación. Solo debe estar pensando en qué es lo mejor para el futuro y que la institución vuelva a la normalidad para ganar títulos". pic.twitter.com/ldXJbOohxn
— TyC Sports (@TyCSports) November 24, 2020

Zabaleta added: “There was always a link between Barcelona and Leo that we never imagined could be stretched to this point. Everything seems to be uncertain because of his future, and at an institutional level, Barcelona is in a complicated situation. There are several things that mean that Leo is not going through a moment of happiness. Where he is happy is [on the] pitch.

“Messi is a winner and a competitor; he wants the best for Barcelona. I wish him all the happiness he can find [and] we’ll see if he can find it in Barcelona.”