Lionel Messi rules out leaving Barcelona for another European club despite PSG and Manchester City links
The Argentinian did, however, suggest he may return to play in his home country's domestic league
Lionel Messi has refused to rule out leaving Barcelona one day but insisted that he has no interest in playing for another European club.
The 28-year-old won his fifth Ballon d’Or last week, ahead of team-mate Neymar and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, and subsequently spoke to magazine France Football, the award’s founders.
He took the opportunity to reiterate his commitment to the Spanish club, despite reports linking him with moves to Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City.
“I have always said that Barcelona is my home and I want to retire here, with regards to my career in Europe,” he told the magazine, according to Sport.
The Argentinian international did, however, suggest that he would be open to return to his home country and try his hand at domestic football there.
“I am never going to play for another European club, but I would like to try Argentine football,” he added. “I am sure what I want and what I want is to stay at Barça.”
Lionel Messi's best Ballon d'Or outfits
Show all 5After a relatively difficult two years, Messi excelled in 2015, scoring 52 goals and propelling his side to La Liga, Copa del Rey, Champions League and Club World Cup titles.
“I feel much better than I did in the last two years,” the forward said. “In 2013 and 2014 I had various injuries and I wasn’t at full power.
“Now I feel back on top. I think I’ve found the level I was showing three of four years ago.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies