I've never tried to sign Messi - Guardiola

Man City boss denies reports of world record bid

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has denied trying to sign Lionel Messi from his former club Barcelona.

Reports from Spain suggested City were ready to pay a world record €250million (£220m/$286m) for Messi before the Argentina striker signed a new deal at Barcelona last year.

“When I left Barcelona and went to Bayern Munich and Manchester City I never asked Messi to come here,” Guardiola told reporters. “I never went to both clubs and said I want this player.

“I know how important he is for Barcelona. I never made the first step to say I want this player. Never. I said a thousand times I want him to stay at Barcelona. I want that.”