Pablo Zabaleta has said he hopes Lionel Messi will join Manchester City if he leaves the Camp Nou, adding that a move to his Etihad Stadium would make him “very, very happy”.
Messi shocked the football world when he made a formal request to leave Barca after the 8-2 defeat by Bayern Munich last season in the quarterfinals.
The 33-year-old thought he would activate a release clause in his contract where he could leave the club as a free transfer, but Blaugrana managed to successfully stop his departure with the help of La Liga as well.
“I know Messi is not liking the situation he is in now,” the former City defender told Marca.
“He can only think about what is best for his future and get the club back on track to win trophies. “I do not know City’s plans and Messi’s opinion.”
“It’s best for him to focus on the situation he is in. “If he changes the club, I would be very happy if City is the club he chooses.”
