I won’t quit Barcelona for any English Premier League side: Messi
April 30th, 2010 - 5:22 pm ICT by ANILondon, Apr 30(ANI): Barcelona striker Lionel Messi has disappointed his fans in England by revealing that he will not play in the Premier League because his heart belongs to Barcelona.
When asked if he could ever envisage playing in England, Messi said: “I don’t even think about that. Barcelona is my life, they have brought me to where I am today and I could not leave,” The Mirror quoted Messi, as saying.
“I could not leave, I don’t want to leave. I know the Premier League is very good and I watch the matches on TV when I get the chance. I admire the strength of the players, it is very English - they play to the end, with a lot of spirit and determination, and the fans are very good and fair.”
“But for me, I cannot see myself playing in England because my heart is with Barcelona, always. They are a great club - I love the club, the people, everything,” he added.
The remark is also likely to call off potentially the biggest transfer stampede in history.
Earlier, several Premier League clubs, including Manchester City, were willing to sign Messi.
Considered as one of the best football players of his generation and frequently cited as the world’s best contemporary player, Messi has received several Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year nominations by the age of 21 and won both by the age of 22.
His playing style and ability have drawn comparisons to football legend Diego Maradona, who himself declared Messi his “successor”. (ANI)
- Messi wants to play whole career for Barcelona - Nov 06, 2011
- Messi wins Fifa Ballon d'Or for third successive year - Jan 10, 2012
- Argentina holds down Messi: Maradona still better - Mar 24, 2010
- It is a dream come true to coach Argentina: Sabella - Aug 31, 2011
- Puyol says Liga still not lost for Barcelona - Jan 11, 2012
- Messi has grown too big for his boots, says former coach - May 30, 2010
- Messi won't leave Barcelona for money - Nov 04, 2011
- Lionel Messi wins FIFA World Player of the Year award - Dec 22, 2009
- Messi always gives more than his best for national team: Zabaleta - Sep 01, 2011
- Romario boasts he's better than Messi, Maradona - Mar 18, 2012
- Nigeria seek revenge against mighty Argentina - Jun 11, 2010
- Messi expects Fabregas to join Barcelona soon - Apr 14, 2010
- Absent Messi hogs limelight at media meet - Aug 31, 2011
- 'Ho visto Messi': a superstar with infinite potential - Apr 10, 2010
- Tevez, Di Maria to be seen alongside Messi in Kolkata friendly - Jun 06, 2011
Tags: best football, diego maradona, england, english premier league, football legend, football players, heart, lionel messi, london, manchester city, mirror, premier league clubs, spirit, stampede, striker