Barcelona (AP) - The speculations about a farewell to Lionel Messi at FC Barcelona continue to pick up speed.
The Brazilian broadcaster Esporte Interativo reported, citing an internal source for the Catalans, that the 33-year-old had told the football club that he wanted to move.
This is what the station's reporter responsible for Barça claims to have learned after the crashing Champions League loss with the 2: 8 against FC Bayern. A Messi confidante was quoted as saying he had never seen the Argentine so determined to make a transfer.
Recently there had been rumors about the captain's departure. According to information from the British "Daily Mirror", Manchester City, also eliminated in the quarter-finals at the final in Lisbon, believe they are in the strongest position to sign Messi. Messi has been playing for FC Barcelona for 20 years and had his most glamorous time under current city coach Pep Guardiola.
The top earner of the financially stricken FC Barcelona still has a contract until the end of June 2021. It would be the last chance for the club to get a high transfer fee if the superstar were transferred. There has also been speculation about a move from Messi to Inter Milan in recent weeks.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 200816-99-190497 / 2
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UEFA press kit for the Barcelona - Bayern match