Pep Guardiola has ruled out the possibility of Lionel Messi joining Manchester City, stating the Barcelona star will finish his career in Spain.
Messi has been linked with a move away from the Camp Nou at the end of the season after he caused a stir by criticising the club's sporting director Eric Abidal over who was responsible for the sacking of Ernesto Valverde last month.
British and Spanish media reported that Messi has a clause in his contract that allows him to walk away for free in the close season even though his contract runs till 2021, sparking speculation of his departure from the club after 16 seasons.
"He's a player for Barcelona, he will stay there, that is my wish," Guardiola, who managed Messi from 2008-2012, told reporters ahead of Sunday's Premier League match against West Ham.
"I'm not going to talk about players for another club. I think he's going to finish his career there, it's my wish."
