Lionel Messi could move to any team in the world he wanted to so surely he would never pick a move to China but according to reports in Spain the Argentine superstar genuinely considered it.
As it stands Lionel Messi only has seven months left on his contract which means that when January comes he will be free to negotiate a deal away from Barcelona without the club having any say in things. It seems mad that it could happen but that's the reality.
There's been a lot of confusion around his new deal at the Camp Nou as well with differing reports about whether or not he will actually sign on the dotted line. Even the La Liga president said this week he's seen the new contract.
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Just how much would a priceless forward cost you? Image: PA
If Barcelona's five time Ballon d'Or winner did decide to call it a day in Spain and move elsewhere he wouldn't exactly be short of offers and apparently the Chinese Super League would be willing to offer big bucks.
According to tv show El Chiringuito de Jugones, via the Daily Express, Messi was genuinely considering an offer from the CSL just a few months ago with Spanish journalist Eduardo Inda saying:
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"A few months ago Messi was a little down and was thinking seriously before the World Cup in Russia to go to China. They tell me that he would have received offers of €150 million (£134m) per season.
"Despite this, his intention is to stay, although he has three offers in case he decides to leave the Barca team.
"City, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain all love him."
Messi has been on great form this season. Image: PA
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So the 30 year old was apparently contemplating a life of playing in the Far East and earning £134 million a season, I guess for that kind of money you can't blame him for considering it.
It's no surprise that Manchester City, Chelsea and PSG are the names mentioned for the forward and they could all afford to pay his wages.
There's no way Messi should be playing in the CSL and it doesn't feel like he will be leaving Spain in the summer, but could he?
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Barcelona, Lionel Messi, Chinese Super League