According to reports from talkSPORT, Barcelona star Lionel Messi is learning English in preparation for a potential move to the Premier League.
The 28 year-old is arguably the greatest footballer in the history of the sport, boasting seven La Liga titles, four Champions League titles, four Ballon d’Ors and countless other individual records – such as most Champions League hat-tricks (5) and most La Liga braces (84).
The Catalan outfit are reportedly planning to offer the Argentina international a new contract that will see him eventually retire at the Nou Camp, but a recent tax scandal has cast doubts over his future with the European champions. Messi and his father are both facing trial over an alleged £3.1million tax fraud and if found guilty could receive jail time.
Last week, The Sun claimed Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United had all ‘made contact’ with Messi over a potential move and according to talkSPORT, Spanish journalist Guillem Balage believes the forward is seriously considering joining the Premier League. In fact, he’s even started to learn English just in case a move materialises.
Balague, who also works as Sky Sports’ La Liga correspondent, told the radio station; “He’s never been closer to leaving Barcelona, he is thinking about it. He has heard from Sergio Aguero and Cesc Fabregas how wonderful England and the Premier League is. There’s an attraction there for a new challenge.
“He’s maturing, he wants to imagine himself in England and he watches the Premier League. He’s learning English in case he needs it. He is preparing for that possibility.”
Messi may be learning English but he will never leave Barcelona