Lionel Messi happy at Barcelona says Chelsea’s Cesc Fabregas
Chelsea’s Cesc Fabregas believes his former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi will not leave the Spanish club.
The Blues have been linked with a move for the 27-year-old after claims he has fallen out with coach Luis Enrique.
But Fabregas, who is close friends with the Argentina skipper, is unhappy with media speculation that he is trying to convince Messi to join the Blues.
“Messi is happy at Barca and they are happy with him,” said the 27-year-old Spain midfielder.
He added: “I’m upset they say that I could be mediating for Messi to come to Chelsea. How can I be talking about contracts? I’m only a footballer.”
Barcelona record goalscorer Messi has spent his entire career at the Nou Camp, winning a host of team and individual honours since making his debut in 2004.
It has been suggested he might leave the Catalan club following reports of a training-ground row with Enrique, who took over last summer.
However, Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu insists Messi will remain at Barca until at least the end of his contract in 2018.
“Messi will do what makes him happiest,” added Fabregas, speaking to Spanish radio programme Al Primer Toque on Onda Cero.
“Personally, as his friend, colleague and footballer, if you gave me the chance to play with him again, I would welcome it.
“I don’t know Luis Enrique. I do know Leo and I doubt very much that what is being said is happening, because he’s a very relaxed guy and I’ve never seen any of that in the three years we spent together.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea assistant manager Steve Holland believes no club in the world could afford to sign Messi.
“This club conforms to Financial Fair Play and when you look at the numbers I’d have thought it’s an impossible deal for any club to work within Financial Fair Play,” said Holland in a news conference on Friday.
