By DAN KARELL
Two players who know Lionel Messi well are hoping to recruit him to Manchester City next season.
Yaya Toure, who played alongside Messi at Barcelona from 2007-2010 and Sergio Aguero, who plays with Messi on the Argentina National Team, have told reporters this weekend that they would love to see Messi at the Etihad Stadium, despite already having one of the best lineups in world soccer. Man City would be one of the few clubs in the world that could potentially afford the insane transfer fee to sign Messi but also his wages.
“Yes, he should come to (Man) City. Then we’ll definitely play together. City should buy him!” Aguero told the Manchester Evening News.
While continuing his recovery from the latest leg muscle injury, Messi publicly stated his unhappiness at Barcelona vice-president Javier Faus’ comments over Messi’s contract. However, the 26-year-old’s father made clear recently that Messi’s future is tied to Barcelona.
Here are some more stories to kick off your week:
MOURINHO HOPES FOR LONG REIGN AT CHELSEA
While Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has had his disagreements in the past with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, there’s one aspect that the Portuguese boss envies of his French counterpart.
In an interview with the English newspaper, The Guardian, Mourinho said that he believes stability is the best way to run a club and admitted that he came back to Chelsea for less money because of his love for the club. Now back, Mourinho hopes that he can stay as the Chelsea boss for 12 years before moving into international management.
I would like [to stay for], say, 12 years,” Mourinho told The Guardian. “I’m 51 next month. I’d say 12 years, and then two (years) to go to a World Cup with a national team. I would prefer the Portuguese national team. England second [choice], yes.
“The best way to [run a club] is to do it with stability. For the players, if you want to help them grow up, you do that much better with stability: in ideas, philosophy, model of play, style of leadership. This all comes from stability at the highest level: with the owners and board and, after that, the manager.
Mourinho can take his Chelsea side to the top of the Premier League with a win on Monday against London rivals Arsenal. Mourinho has never lost to Wenger in his coaching career.
INTER REMAIN GUARDED OVER GUARIN FUTURE
Inter Milan midfielder Fredy Guarin has plenty of suitors abroad, but the Italian club are hoping that they won’t have to sell him come January.
With the help of Guarin, Inter won the Milan Derby, 1-0, thanks to a timely assist on Rodrigo Palacio’s terrific back-heel goal, but Chelsea has reportedly made an offer for the Colombian and it could be only a matter of time. Inter’s executive director Marco Fassone however stated following the match that no deal has been completed to let Guarin leave.
“Guarin has such talent that he would be tempting for so many teams on the transfer market and boss Walter Mazzarri has made him a better player,” Fassone told Radio RAI. “Right now, though, we are just talking about rumors. Guarin is a champion who belongs to us and we are keeping a tight grip on him.
“If we make any moves on the market, both in buying or selling, then we will do so with the intention of strengthening the side.”
QUICK KICKS
Manchester United’s Marouane Fellaini is set to miss a further two months after undergoing an operation on his wrist. (REPORT)
Current Holland manager Louis Van Gaal has admitted he’d like to manage in the EPL in the future. (REPORT)
Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi has been called up to the Basque National Team for an unofficial friendly match against Peru next Saturday. (REPORT)
Meanwhile, Illarramendi’s teammate Xabi Alonso could be set for another spell on the sidelines after suffering a perforated left eardrum during Real’s 3-2 victory against Valencia. (REPORT)
Egyptian legend Mohamed Aboutrika confirmed his retirement from soccer following Al-Ahly’s defeat in the Club World Cup, ending an illustrious 16-year career. (REPORT)
Following their first victory in five games, a few NAC Breda players jumped in a pitch-side Jacuzzi to celebrate with fans. (REPORT)
Alajuelense have been crowned Costa Rican champions after defeating Herediano, 5-3, in penalty kicks. (REPORT)
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What do you think of these reports? Do you see Messi ever leaving Barcelona? Think Man City would be bold enough to make Barcelona an offer? Think Mourinho can stay at Chelsea for 12 consecutive years?
Share your thoughts below.