'It's not part of our philosophy' - Bayern chief rules out Messi signing

It is distressing for Karl-Heinz Rummenigge to imagine Lionel Messi quitting Barcelona after everything he has done for the club.

Lionel Messi is once again making headlines for FC Barcelona, only not in the way the club and the fans would have wanted.

Messi has reportedly made an immutable decision to put an end to his almost two-decades-long relationship with the Catalan giants.

Over the years, his departure from Camp Nou had looked next to impossible. And now that it seems likely, or perhaps even imminent, clubs across Europe are positioning themselves to secure his services.

However, surprisingly, Bayern Munich are not interested in taking part in the bidding for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Reasoning their stance, CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge says the 2019/20 Champions League winners lack the financial muscle to pull off a transfer of such magnitude.

“No. We can’t pay a player of that size. It is not part of our policy and philosophy,” he told Tuttosport.

Rummenigge then went on to suggest that Messi should not quit Barca as he deserves to end his playing career at the club.

“Honestly, hearing that Messi could leave Barcelona makes me a little sad,” he added. “Leo has written the history of that club and in my opinion, he should end his career with the Blaugrana.

“There are internal and private aspects there that I don’t know about and that is why I will not interfere.”