JUAN MATA has made it clear that he does NOT want Lionel Messi to join Manchester City.
The Spaniard, 32, wants to see him at Old Trafford if he does decide to make the move to Manchester.
Messi was linked with a move to City after he handed in a transfer request in the summer.
The 33-year-old was ultimately forced to to stay at Barcelona to see out the final year of his contract.
Now City are believed to still be in pole position to sign Messi when he is available.
But United star Mata has urged the Argentine icon to reject interest from Pep Guardiola’s side.
When asked about the chances of Messi joining City, Mata said: “Well I hope not – I hope not for the betterment of my club.
“I don’t know what will happen, but I hope he doesn’t go there.
“If he comes to Manchester I hope it’s to my club and not the other.
“There were rumours, for example, that Cristiano Ronaldo might come back to Manchester in the future.
“One of the things that I realised in professional football is that you should focus on what you can control and forget about what you cannot.”
Mata admitted he has a ‘soft spot’ for Messi as he insisted he is the greatest player of all time.
He continued: “I have a soft spot – which is very easy to have – for Messi.
“He is a guy that every time I see him play football he makes my life better.
“I would give him the trophy for the best player every year.
“I will give him the trophy for the best player ever because, what he’s done in his career and what he still does, is just unbelievable.
“I always make fun with my friends, because whenever somebody has a bad day they put a video of Messi on YouTube and then the day improves.”
Messi has scored 641 goals and made 278 assists for Barcelona in 744 appearances.
He has won ten LaLiga titles, four Champions League titles, six Copa del Rey’s and three Club World Cups.
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