Pablo Zabaleta has insisted that he can convince Lionel Messi to leave Barcelona and sign for Manchester City.
The pair have been friends for many years, having represented Argentina on a number of occasions together.
And ahead of their Champions League clash at the Etihad this evening, the defender has claimed that he can persuade the Blaugrana sensation to sign for the Citizens.
“I can convince him to join City. I'd love to take him out and about in Manchester,” he told Marca.
“Maybe we'd head to Didsbury [on the outskirts] and eat fish and chips. I think he'd like that.
“Yes, I've spoken to Messi about City. Just after I'd signed, I took advantage of some time off they'd given us and went back to Barcelona.
“I stayed at his house and everybody was talking about the club's new owners and all the money. Leo has asked me what it's like in Manchester.
“When you play against Leo, even if you have a great game, you only have to take your eye off the ball once for him to score.
“Messi hasn't changed a bit; success hasn't gone to his head. He's won everything, but he's the same guy he was before he hit the big time.
“We lived in the same city when I was at Espanyol and we were mates and hung out for three years. We were young, free and single – they were good times.”
