LIONEL MESSI’s Barcelona future will not depend on Mauricio Pochettino taking charge of Paris Saint-Germain, according to Ronald Koeman.
The Argentine – out of contract at the end of the season – has a host of suitors after failing to force an exit from the Nou Camp last summer.
Lionel Messi is out of contract at Barcelona at the end of the seasonCredit: Reuters
SunSport exclusively revealed Manchester City are set to launch another attempt to sign Messi in the new year.
PSG are also interested and a move to the Parc des Princes could appeal, with countryman Pochettino set to succeed Thomas Tuchel in the dugout.
Speaking after Messi gave a wide-ranging interview on his future to La Sexta, Koeman said: “I do not know if it is true about Pochettino to PSG.
“If Messi decides his future, it will not depend on a coach.
“I did not see the interview live, but I have seen it.
“I have always been calm with Messi and I will not be calmer because he said that he will decide at the end of the season.
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“We’ll see what can happen. I appreciate Messi’s words because he is a very important player for the club and for football. Anyone likes to speak well of oneself. I’m still the same. I try to move the team forward, it is a year of transition and Messi is key to this process.”
Messi attempted to walk away from Barcelona in August, although the club argued that contract clause expired two months prior.
The Nou Camp idol opted to stay put to avoid a messy court battle but speculation over his future continues to rage.
Messi has claimed he does not know if he will leave when his deal expires next year but a move to MLS appeals.
He told Spanish TV station La Sexta: “I’ve always had the dream of playing in another league, in the United States.
“Maybe it will happen, doesn’t have to be right away. Today I am just focused on these next six months.”
City could offer Messi a route to America with sister club New York City via the Etihad Stadium.
And he could leap at the chance to link up with Pep Guardiola for a second time after describing the former Barcelona boss as “special”.
Messi said: “He makes you see things in a wonderful way, how he prepares for games, how to defend, and how to attack.
“I was lucky to train under Guardiola and Luis Enrique, the two best.
“Having them made me grow a lot physically and mentally, and also the tactical wisdom they’ve taught me.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
