Pep Guardiola wants Lionel Messi to finish his career in Barcelona, despite speculation linking Manchester City with a fresh move for the Argentine playmaker.
Guardiola's decision to sign a new two-year deal at the Etihad has led to more rumours linking City with an attempt to prise an unhappy Messi away from the Nou Camp.
The 33-year-old was denied an exit from Barcelona this summer, despite stating his desire to leave the club, and it was City who were leading the race to try and sign him.
Messi is continuing to voice his complaints about Barcelona, despite the ousting of club president Josep Maria Bartomeu, and he could leave the club for free next summer.
City have always been expected to move for Messi if he decides to leave the club, but Guardiola is keen not to force the issue, having enjoyed a strong relationship with the player in their time together at Barcelona, while Guardiola still has a lot of respect for his former club.
He has reiterated his stance that he wants Messi to finish his own career in Barcelona.
"Messi is a player from Barcelona, if you ask me my opinion I have a huge gratitude for what Barcelona has done for me, in the academy, as a player and as a manager, they gave me absolutely everything, what I want is for him to finish his career there," said Guardiola.
"I would like, as a Barcelona fan, that Leo finishes there, but this is his final year of contract and I don't know what's going to happen in his mind.
"Right now he's a Barcelona player and the transfer market will be in June or July. We have incredible games to play and achievements to try and achieve and this is only in our minds."
