Transfer Centre

Lionel Messi hits out at Chelsea, Manchester City "lies"

By Shane Callaghan, Reporter | 12 January 2015

Barcelona ace Lionel Messi rules out moves to Chelsea and Manchester City, and slams the "lies" suggesting that he has ordered the club to sack coach Luis Enrique.

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has rubbished reports linking him with a move to Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester City.

Reports from Spain last week had suggested that the 27-year-old had grown unhappy at Camp Nou, and had issued the club's hierarchy with an ultimatum to sack coach Luis Enrique or lose him.

The Argentine has reacted angrily to the speculation, however, and insists that he has no intention of moving to England, and also moved to play down his own power in Catalunya.

"I have no intentions of leaving for any team, not Chelsea nor Manchester City," he told reporters.

"I'm tired of all the things that people have been saying. I didn't ask the club to fire anyone. People make it out as if I run the club and that's not how it is. I don't ask anyone to make decisions.

"Everything that has been said is lies and I want people to know that, everything that has been said is false."

Messi, who has been with the Catalan giants since the age of 13, netted his 25th goal of the season on Sunday in helping the Blaugrana to a 3-1 win over Atletico Madrid.