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Lionel Messi: 'Many clubs tried to sign me'

Lionel Messi reveals that "a lot of clubs" have expressed an interest in luring him away from Camp Nou.

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has revealed that "a lot of clubs" have expressed an interest in prising him away from Catalunya.

The 26-year-old is contracted to the Spanish giants until 2018, where his buyout clause is thought to be in the region of £210m.

Despite the sizeable release fee, the Argentine claims that the figures involved have not helped stave off potential suitors, but the four-time Ballon d'Or winner reveals that he wishes to retire at Camp Nou.

Speaking to De Telegraaf, Messi said: "I feel honoured each time my name is mentioned with other big clubs. It's true that a lot of clubs have shown an interest in me.

"But my opinion has not changed. Barcelona's style of play suits me and it's my dream to stay at Barcelona for the rest of my life."

Messi, who has hit eight goals in 11 league appearances for the Blaugrana this season, is in the middle of a two-month absence having been taken injured in the club's 4-1 victory over Real Betis a fortnight ago.

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Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona takes to the field for the La Liga match between Real Betis and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on November 10, 2013
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona17122350193138
2Real Madrid16113234132136
3Atletico MadridAtletico16105130111935
4Athletic Bilbao1795326151132
5Villarreal157532725226
6Real Sociedad167361611524
7Osasuna166642225-324
8Mallorca177371620-424
9GironaGirona166462223-122
10Celta Vigo166372527-221
11Real BetisBetis165651820-221
12Rayo Vallecano155461516-119
13Sevilla165471723-619
14Las PalmasLas Palmas165382227-518
15Getafe163761113-216
16AlavesAlaves164391827-915
17Leganes163671423-915
18Espanyol1541101528-1313
19Valencia142481322-910
20Real ValladolidValladolid1623111134-239


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