Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata is praying Lionel Messi doesn't end up across town at Manchester City.
The Argentine superstar has been linked on many occasions with a move to England.
His association with former Barca boss and current City chief Pep Guardiola has led many to believe he is on his way to the Etihad when his current deal expires in the summer.
But Old Trafford star Mata hopes that doesn't come true.
"Well I hope not – I hope not for the betterment of my club," Mata said.
"I don’t know what will happen, but I hope he doesn’t go there. If he comes to Manchester I hope it’s to my club and not the other.
“There were rumours, for example, that Cristiano Ronaldo might come back to Manchester in the future.
"One of the things that I realised in professional football is that you should focus on what you can control and forget about what you cannot."
Mata was asked whether he would have backed Messi to win a seventh Ballon d’Or this season if the award had not been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
He added: "I have a soft spot – which is very easy to have – for Messi.
"He is a guy that every time I see him play football he makes my life better.
“I would give him the trophy for the best player every year – I will give him the trophy for the best player ever because, what he’s done in his career and what he still does, is just unbelievable.
“I always make fun with my friends, because whenever somebody has a bad day, they put a video of Messi on YouTube and then the day improves.”
