ARSENAL legend Emmanuel Petit believes Lionel Messi does not have the physicality like Cristiano Ronaldo required to cut it in the Premier League.
Petit also believes it doesn’t make sense for Manchester City to make their move for the Barcelona maestro if he becomes available at the end of the season.
Lionel Messi has been linked with a sensational move to the Prem this summerCredit: Reuters
Messi’s future at the Nou Camp has come under the spotlight following a sensational row with the club’s sporting director Eric Abidal.
It has put City and Manchester United on high alert but Petit, who spent three years at both Arsenal and Chelsea, believes Messi wouldn’t have the same impact in England.
Reported by the Mirror, he said: “Honestly, I don’t think he’s suited to the intensity of England.
“He doesn’t like being closed down and being fought.
“In Spain, he’s protected.
“It would be a pleasure for English fans to see him but I don’t see why a club like Manchester City, for example, would move for Messi at 32 or 33.
“If City wanted to buy him, they should have tried to do it a couple of years ago.
“Messi is not Cristiano Ronaldo. Physically, he’s not the same machine.
“Ronaldo is a monster but, at 32, Messi has only one or two more years playing at the highest level.
I don’t think he’s suited to the intensity of England.
“Even playing alongside great players at Barca, he won’t have the same pace or the dribbling ability.”
Messi has a clause in his contract meaning he can leave Barcelona for nothing this summer.
His exit has been intensified in recent weeks after the Argentine was frustrated with Abidal’s criticism of the squad in Ernesto Valverde’s final weeks at the club.
Messi took to social media to reply, writing: “Those in charge of sporting direction should also face up to their responsibilities and above all take charge of their own decisions.
“When you talk about players you should give names, otherwise you are tainting everyone’s name and feeding rumours which are not true.”
And Petit believes Messi’s vocal response proves there is growing unrest behind the scenes.
He added: “Abidal has also had recent trouble with Xavi, who’s a legend at Barca.
“It was hard to understand what was going on there, with talk of Xavi joining as manager — it was all very unclear.
Emmanuel Petit believes Messi would fail to but it in the PremCredit: Getty – Contributor
“Seeing Xavi’s reaction afterwards, it showed that there’s a lack of communication and that someone is lying.
“Something similar has happened with Messi. We’re not used to Messi speaking out on social media in such a manner.
“Usually, he’s very quiet, so clearly he must be very upset.”
Messi doesn’t have the same physical attributes as RonaldoCredit: PA:Press Association
Lionel Messi ‘snubs pre-match Barcelona huddle and then had a frosty exchange with Gerard Pique ahead of Valencia clash
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
