CESC FABREGAS has revealed Lionel Messi will finish his career at Barcelona – ending any talk of a sensational transfer away from the Nou Camp.
Messi, 32, has been at loggerheads with the LaLiga champions this season, leading to speculation he will not extend his contract which expires next summer.
Cesc Fabregas has revealed Lionel Messi will end his career at Barcelona
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Messi and Fabregas on holiday together in the summer of 2017
The Argentine also has the option to leave Barca for FREE at the end of every season as part of a stipulation in his Nou Camp deal.
But close friend and former team-mate Fabregas is “fully confident” the legendary forward will agree terms with the Spanish giants and commit his long-term future.
He told Cadena Cope: “I speak with Messi and his idea has always been to end his career at Barcelona.
“Many things can happen at a club but I am fully confident that his career will end at Barca.”
Fabregas , 32, spent three years playing alongside Messi, with the two winning the league together in 2012.
They remain good pals and have even holidayed together with their partners.
So Fabregas’ reveal will come as much needed reassurance for Barca fans, who have watched Messi during his civil war with the Barca hierarchy.
Messi even had to publicly deny “fake news” that he was interested in a move to Serie A giants Inter Milan.
Premier League champions Manchester City have also been linked with the six-time Ballon D’or winner.
But ex-Barca vice-president Emili Rousaud has backed Messi to extend his current Nou Camp deal.
He told ESPN: “I think Messi and Barcelona will reach an agreement over a renewal.
“To reach an agreement, the two parties must make some kind of concession, but I would be very surprised if this beautiful story did not continue for longer.”
Getty Images – Getty
Messi’s Barca deal is due to expire next summer
‘Lionel Messi can leave Barcelona for free at the end of the season’ says ESPN’s Sid Lowe
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
