Messi reportedly asking for a route out of Barcelona in 2016Reports circulated on Friday that the star had made enquiries about a sensational transfer to Manchester City, following his conviction for tax evasion. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was reportedly disinterested with life in Spain, and had his representatives enquire about a move to Manchester City. Oil-rich Manchester City were reportedly ready to pay a staggering £850,000 per-week after triggering the star’s £220 million release fee. Now, Guardiola has moved to deny the reports, and claimed he has never asked for a move for Messi to be sanctioned. “When I left Barcelona and went to Bayern Munich and Manchester City I never asked Messi to come here,” he declared.

Source: Express November 03, 2018 16:07 UTC