Lionel Messi: I Do Not Want To Follow Ronaldinho

Lionel Messi has reiterated his desire to stay with Barcelona for the rest of his career, but recognised that could be beyond his control in years to come as Ronaldinho's case proved.

The Argentinean was good friends with Brazilian but had to watch as his team-mate became disillusioned with life at Camp Nou after it became clear that club no longer wanted him.

While Messi is hopeful that will never happen to him, he knows that one or two bad seasons and the Blaugrana could well seek to cash in on him if a different board wants to.

"I hope to spend my entire career with Barcelona and hope that the club does not decide to sell me in later years, like they did with Ronaldinho," he told Catalunya's Canal 33.

"He was an important player that gave so much to Barça, but in the end everything went wrong for him.

"I arrived here when I was very young. I have spent my entire career here and hope I never leave and that Barcelona do not say that they do not want me any more.

"I know it is not impossible [that one day he could leave]. Look what happened with Ronnie. He was not happy last year and that is because he knew that he was not wanted."

Messi then stated that he would not be tempted to follow in other players’ footsteps and seek to move in order to earn more money no matter what the club.

"I will not go to Chelsea, or Inter or Madrid. I do not understand what is being said. Why do I have to clarify something that is not true? I think that people clearly know what I think," he added.

"At 13 I came here and the club gave everything to me and my family. I am really happy here. The truth is that I have all I could need and do not want for anything."

"I know that I never want to join another club."

Lucas Brown, Goal.com