Transfer news: Barcelona star Lionel Messi upset at attempts to unsettle him
Monday 12 January 2015 18:01, UK
Lionel Messi insists he will not leave Barcelona and says any talk linking him with a move away from the club is 'lies'.
Messi's future with the Catalan giants has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks, with stories circulating that he is unhappy with coach Luis Enrique's tactical approach to the game.
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu played down claims Messi was looking to leave last week and the player has now spoken out as well, criticising people he feels are trying to unsettle him and the club.
"I don't demand anything for me to stay because I have no intention of leaving anywhere," he told Barca TV.
"I've heard stories I've spoken to Chelsea or City, that's all lies. I have taken this chance to deny it so that everyone knows the truth. I am grateful to be able to give my version of events."
Messi, speaking after playing a big part in helping them beat reigning La Liga champions Atletico Madrid 3-1, is also determined to show a united front within the playing ranks at the Nou Camp.
"It hurts me because it comes from here, from Barcelona, from people that love the club, or say they do. It doesn't come from Madrid like it has in the past," he added.
"It is not good that they look for rivalry between Luis Enrique and I because there isn't any,"
"I've heard so many things. There have been things said in the past that I have bad relationships with (Pep) Guardiola, (Samuel) Eto'o, Bojan, Ibra (Zlatan Ibrahimovic), that's not true.
"I never asked for them to get rid of the coach or anybody. That's not true, I would never do that.
"More than ever we have to be united
"They try to make out that I run the club, I'm just another player in the squad like my team-mates. I don't make decisions, I don't want to make decisions."
