Martin Braithwaite Responds To Claims He Has Asked For Lionel Messi's No.10 Shirt

Martin Braithwaite has denied claims he has asked for Lionel Messi's shirt number if he leaves.

Having handed in a transfer request in addition to refusing to turn up to Barcelona training on Monday, Messi's iconic No.10 could well be free if his wish to move onto a new challenge is eventually granted.

There was a report that former Middlesbrough striker Braithwaite, who joined Barca from Leganes in a €18 million move in January, has already expressed his interest in taking on the digit from the man who assisted his first Blaugrana goal.

Image: PA

But the Danish international, currently wearing Messi's old No.19 jersey, has confirmed the story is false and added it would be "so disrespectful".

"What do people think themselves? Of course I did not go to the club and ask for Messi's number," he told Danish newspaper BT , as per Goal.

"It would be so disrespectful. I really feel that the people who come up with these kinds of stories lack respect for a lot of people.

"A lot of things are being written about Messi and I do not know what is happening. I can only say that he is a great player and person to be team-mates with.

"It goes without saying what he can do as a football player when he shows it every weekend. He is one of the best players ever and, of course, it will be a loss for the club if he disappears.

"I hope it does not happen, but I do not know what is happening, so I do not want to comment on something I do not know anything about."

Messi inherited the No.10 from the legendary Ronaldinho at Barcelona and has gone on to score 592 goals with the number on his back.

Rather interestingly, Sergio Aguero has taken '10' out of his Instagram handle - with many deeming it to be a hint that Messi will be joining his compatriot and taking his shirt number at Manchester City.

Though it's a complex deal that won't be easy to pull off, City appear to be favourites for the six-time Ballon d'Or winner and are actively working on reuniting Messi and Pep Guardiola in what would be the biggest transfer in football history.

Topics: Football News, FC Barcelona, Football, Martin Braithwaite, Lionel Messi

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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