Messi joining Man City would make me very happy! – Zabaleta

James Shearman

• Updated: 17 May 2021 22:02 BST
• 2 min read

Pablo Zabaleta hopes to see his fellow countryman Lionel Messi sign for Manchester City if he decides to leave Barcelona.

Messi shocked the football world earlier this year, handing in a formal transfer request after a humiliating 8-2 defeat to eventual champions Bayern Munich in the quarter finals of the Champions League.

The 33-year-old thought he could leave for free due to a release clause in his contract. But, Barcelona insisted that a transfer request had to have been submitted before the original date for the end of the season.

Messi’s argument was that the season had been extended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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The Argentine eventually announced that he would see out the final year of his deal. However, he would reiterate his unhappiness at how the club was currently being run.

City have long been the favourite to capture Messi’s signature and legend Zabaleta would welcome the diminutive forward to Manchester.

“I know that Messi must not be enjoying this situation right now,” the former City defender told Marca.

“He must just be thinking about what is best for the future and getting the club back on track to win trophies. I don’t know the plans for City and Messi’s idea.

“The best thing for him is to focus on the current situation. If he has to change clubs, I would be very happy if City were chosen.”

Messi hasn’t hit the heights of his usual special form so far this season, with Barcelona currently languishing down in 13th in La Liga.

Under new head coach Ronald Koeman, the Blaugrana have won just three of their opening eight matches.