Pep Sends Message To Messi, Reveals City Player Wants Out
Pep Guardiola has commented on the possibility of Manchester City signing Lionel Messi, who has officially left Barcelona, and also revealed that a first-team star of his wants to leave the club.
In a press conference on Friday afternoon, the former Barcelona manager revealed he was taken aback to learn that Messi would be leaving the Blaugrana.
"It was a surprise," he said, according to City Xtra.
"(Joan) Laporta was clear today about the reasons. As a supporter (of the club), I'd love him (Messi) to have finished at the club.
"I've just incredible gratitude for the most extraordinary player I've seen in my life.
"All I can say is thank you so much, to bring Barcelona to another level, to allow Barcelona to dominate the world for a decade, and I wish him the best for the last few years of his career. He will not be forgotten."
Guardiola was also asked about the possibility of signing Messi for City, despite Jack Grealish having just arrived and being handed the No. 10 shirt.
"He (Grealish) will wear the No. 10 because we were convinced with Grealish and we were convinced Leo would continue at Barcelona, so now, he (Messi) is not in our thoughts," he added.
Asked about potential sales, the City manager revealed that Bernardo Silva is among a few players who want to leave the club in this transfer window.
"Bernardo Silva wants to leave," Guardiola continued.
"There are two or three players who want to go. When they bring some offer and they want to leave, we are open to discuss, but it depends on them."
Source: www.soccerladuma.co.za
