Barcelona transfer news: Gerard Pique remains hopeful Lionel Messi will be “seduced into staying for years”
The Barca defender has responded to the speculation surrounding his team-mate's future
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique believes that Lionel Messi can be convinced to stay on at the Camp Nou despite rampant speculation about his future.
The legendary No.10 submitted a transfer request during the summer before begrudgingly agreeing to stay put.
His contract expires at the end of the season and he has been heavily linked with a reunion with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, as well as moves to PSG and Inter Milan.
However, his long-time team-mate Pique remains hopeful that the 33-year-old will be in Catalonia for years to come.
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"We will have to ask Leo, it is his personal decision,” the Spain international told Radio Marca (via AS).
“We will see what happens. I believe that as long as he continues to wear the Barça shirt there is always hope.
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"We hope they can seduce him so that he stays more years."
Messi has been in below-average form by his high standards during a difficult start to the season for Barcelona under Ronald Koeman.
The La Liga giants cruised through their Champions League group, securing a place in the last 16 with two games to spare, but they are down in 13th place in the La Liga table.
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