Guardiola’s father: Pep has never wanted to hurt Barcelona by signing Messi

Although Pep Guardiola would undoubtedly love to have Lionel Messi working under his orders again at Manchester City , the coach’s father says that he has never wanted to harm Barcelona by moving for the Argentine.

Messi ‘s contract at Barcelona is up this coming summer and doubt hangs over his future, with Guardiola ‘ s City being touted as one of the possible destinations.

“There’s no club in the world that wouldn’t want to have Messi ,” Valenti Guardiola said to journalist Emiliano Nunia. “I saw him play at 12 or 13 years old and I was amazed.

“He was extraordinary at that level. There are very few players like Messi, and I’m sure that Pep wouldn’t dislike having him at City. Pep has always seen Messi as the best, but he’s at Barcelona . Josep has never wanted to hurt the club by taking the player. ”

Despite being a lifelong Barcelona supporter, the senior Guardiola admits that his support for his son’s career overrides that love for the Catalans.

“I’ve always belonged to Barcelona and I always want them to win,” Valenti said. “But I want Josep to win first. My son is first, then I also enjoy when Barcelona win.

“I’m very happy with the decisions he can make. He can coach Barcelona, ​​retire, or whatever. At his age, I no longer have to teach him anything. Everything he does will make me happy.”

Valenti Guardiola also added his opinion that Pep would not take charge of the Spanish national team should the opportunity arise.