CHELSEA flop Gonzalo Higuain has warned Lionel Messi he would be “kicked the s*** out of” if he decided to play in the Premier League.
Following Barcelona’s thumping by Bayern Munich in the Champions League, it was reported that Messi has told the club he wants to leave.
Lionel Messi has been warned of the toughness of the Premier LeagueCredit: Reuters
Gonzalo Higuain has told Messi that he will get “kicked” by defenders in EnglandCredit: Getty – Contributor
The Argentinian has cut a forlorn figure at times in what has been a miserable season the the Catalans.
They threw away the LaLiga title to bitter rivals Real Madrid after leading for most of the season.
Manchester City have emerged as the favourites to sign the 33-year-old which would see him reunited with old boss Pep Guardiola
But Higuain, who endured a torrid 18-game loan spell with Chelsea in 2019, has warned Messi that he could “suffer” some rough treatement from defenders in England.
Speaking to Fox Sports, as translated by Marca, Higuain, 32, said: “I suffered a lot in the Premier League and couldn’t adapt in those six months.
“It’s nothing like LaLiga. Defenders kick the s*** out of you and nothing gets given, they don’t blow for free-kicks like they would in Spain.
“I don’t know how that would affect Messi.
“I don’t think he would suffer, since he is a player at another level.”
Big things were expected of Higuain when he arrived at Stamford Bridge, but he scored only five goals.
Messi has grown disillusioned with life at his boyhood club following numerous mounting problems behind the scenes.
His contract expires next summer when he can leave for free but he appears determined to leave right now.
He reportedly threatened to quit if there was not a major restructure at the Nou Camp.
But he is not willing to wait for the change and wants to leave “immediately”, according to Esporte Interativo.
An inside source close to Messi is quoted as saying: “He has never seen Leo so determined to leave as now.”
The Brazilian outlet correctly revealed Neymar was leaving Barca for Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.
Barcelona have refuted the claims, according to Catalan outlet Sport.
A look at the career of Lionel Messi as rumours circulate the Barcelona captain is looking to leave Camp Nou
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
