Lionel Messi stunned the world after he handed a transfer request to Barcelona, a club he has been with since 13.
Messi has now been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Chelsea and Manchester City believed to be interested in the deal.
The 33-year-old is set to leave Barca on a free transfer, after falling out with the club’s board, but the Spanish side would rather hold on to his £630m buyout clause.
Messi recently held crunch talks with new manager Ronald Koeman just one day after the Dutchman was appointed to replace former boss Quique Setien, and he has told the new manager that he wants to leave the club.
Givemesport quotes Argentinian newspaper La Nacion, as saying that Messi has finally broken his silence about his exit from Barcelona.
Their report claims they’ve had access to someone close to Messi, who confirms that he has decided to play for Manchester City next season.
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.”
La Nacion in Argentina have reportedly spoken with someone close to Messi and Messi has apparently told them the following:
"I have made the decision to leave Barcelona with Antonella. It hurts my soul, but it's done. The cycle is complete."
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) August 26, 2020