Barcelona star Lionel Messi’s alleged rejection of a contract extension at Camp Nou had spurred numerous rumours regarding his future. Manchester United were one of the suitors for the Argentine superstar. However, United boss Jose Mourinho rebuffed all suggestions that Messi could play for United in the near future.
It had been reported earlier that United along with German manufacturer Adidas were plotting a move to sign Messi and had even offered him a sum of £85m to not sign a new deal at Barcelona. But Mourinho flatly turned down even the prospect of United attempting such a coup.
As reported in the Sun, the Portuguese mastermind said how in every season the same rumours do the rounds and Messi always ends up staying at Barcelona. He said, “Lionel Messi is every season the same story; every season he is going to leave and he never leaves.”
Also read: La Liga 2016/17: Lionel Messi's contract renewal talks with Barcelona progress
He added that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is truly Barcelona’s asset and that the best thing would be if he finishes off his career at his parent club
“And honestly, I hope he never leaves because he belongs to Barca and Barca belongs to him. The beautiful thing would be for him to start and finish his career at Barcelona.”
Finally, he quashed all rumours linking Messi with the 20-time Premier League champions when he said, “For Manchester United, it’s a no for sure.”
Mourinho has often lauded the 29-year-old playmaker, claiming that Messi had the capability of leading any side to Champion’s League glory single-handedly. However, it does seem like he is responding to the reports that emerged in Spain earlier in the week.
Also read: Lionel Messi, Neymar and Hal Robson-Kanu nominated for the FIFA Puskas award
Barcelona, themselves, are acutely confident that Messi would finish his career at Nou Camp and will soon sign a contract extension. Nonetheless, some of the biggest clubs in Europe are keeping tabs on the situation.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are said to be the front-runners in the lead to lure the Argentinian to England while Chelsea are also monitoring the player. Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain could also jump on any opportunity to sign a player of Messi’s calibre.
The United manager’s declaration would surely break many hearts, especially those of the Old Trafford faithful. How the future pans out for Messi still remains shrouded in mystery.
More Football news, transfer rumours, analysis and features at Sportskeeda.com. Also if you are attending a football game anywhere in the world and/or have a news tip for us drop us an email at football (at) sportskeeda (dot) com.
