Cesc Fabregas has bristled at suggestions he might be involved in any Chelsea move to sign Lionel Messi – and believes the Argentinian superstar is happy at Barcelona.
Chelsea have been linked with an audacious big-money swoop for Messi following claims in Spain this week that the 27-year-old’s relationship with his Barca coach Luis Enrique has broken down.
That speculation was further fuelled on Monday when – on the same day Barca sacked their director of football Andoni Zubizarreta – Messi missed training through illness and later started following Chelsea and some of their players on Instagram.
However, while Fabregas has made no secret of the fact he would relish the chance to play alongside his former Barca colleague Messi once again, the Spain international insists he is in no way a middleman for any possible Chelsea bid.
Fabregas, who swapped the Nou Camp for Stamford Bridge last summer, also believes the reports about Messi’s current situation at Barcelona are wide of the mark.
He said on Spanish radio programme Al Primer Toque on Onda Cero: “I’m upset that they say that I could be mediating for Messi to come to Chelsea. How can I be talking about contracts… I’m only a footballer.
“He (Messi) will do what makes him happiest. Personally, as his friend, colleague and footballer, if you gave me the chance to play with him again, I would welcome it.
“I don’t know Luis Enrique. I do know Leo and I doubt very much that what is being said is happening, because he’s a very relaxed guy and I’ve never seen any of that in the three years we spent together.
“Messi is happy at Barca and they are happy with him.”
Messi, who has been at Barca his whole career, started Thursday’s Copa del Rey last-16 first leg against Elche and scored the third goal in a 5-0 win.
