Eric Garcia said, with a smile, that Manchester City players have not discussed the prospect of Lionel Messi completing a sensational move to the Premier League side but that he would be a welcome addition to any team.
Messi has flirted with the idea of leaving Barcelona before but his position at the Nou Camp has never been more uncertain; the 33-year-old has refused to turn up for pre-season training after a major disagreement between his camp and the club over whether his contract allows him to leave for free this summer.
City have thought for some time they would be at the front of the queue to sign Messi were he ever to leave Barcelona, and that has never seemed more realistic. However, there has been silence from the Blues across the board on the situation with the task of Messi securing his exit from Barcelona still looking difficult.
Garcia, called up to the Spain squad for the first time for fixtures with Germany and Ukraine, was put up for media duties on Tuesday lunchtime and answered questions about his own future at the club and also Messi.
And while the 19-year-old would not confirm that the players have spoken about the talk of world football, he was happy to talk up the player himself.
"We have not spoken at City about Messi coming," he said before adding : "Everyone would like to have Messi on their team."
Having told City he will not renew his contract at the club beyond next year amid strong interest from Barcelona, Garcia could be included in any deal to bring the Ballon D'Or winner to the Etihad if he is not allowed to leave on a free.
