Premier League star Sergio Aguero has expressed his desire to see Lionel Messi at Manchester City, but has also admitted he could see the Argentine icon playing in the China top flight.
Messi, who has a buyout clause of £250 million [as per The Sun], is currently under contract at Barcelona until 2018, but Aguero, clearly not dissuaded by the hefty fee it would take to bring the superstar to Eastlands, has admitted he would love to see his compatriot at the Etihad Stadium.
“If Messi wants to come here, let him come!” Aguero began, speaking to The Sun.
“Hopefully he can be here at City obviously but, of course, it’s always the player’s decision,” he continued, before admitting that the chances of a switch were slim.
“I think he’s very comfortable and very calm in Barcelona,” he continued. “It’s very difficult for Leo to leave Barcelona because he’s played there since he was young.
“It’s not easy for him to think about another team. So no…”
However, later in the interview, Aguero—who is in the midst of an injury-menaced career—has also suggested that Messi has the quality to be a big hit in China, should he opt to switch to the Far East.
“He’s the best player in the world — he can handle the Chinese league too!” the striker continued.
“There will always be pressure in any country,” he continued. “If you’re the best in the world you can be the best anywhere.”
SEE ALSO:
Arsenal eyeing shock move for Louis van Gaal reject and Bundesliga goal machine
Manchester United must move NOW to nab Mourinho, as Real Madrid circle
European giants circling for Tottenham star; PSG face competition as contract impasse continues
The Sun report that Messi would be open to a move to the Etihad, and noted at the end of November that the diminutive player was in talks on a potential £800,000-per-week deal which would take him to the blue half of Manchester.
Messi, who recently helped Barcelona to win the Club World Cup in Japan, has enjoyed an immensely successful year, and could cap it off against Real Betis on Wednesday when, if he features, he will make his 500th appearances for the Catalan heavyweights [via Sky Sports].