“When you are a defender for 10-15 years you get sick of it!” - Manchester City star says Lionel Messi was his idol growing up

Manchester City star Josko Gvardiol has claimed that he idolized Lionel Messi while growing up. The Croatia international has recently been a goal threat for the Cityzens scoring twice in the last three Premier League games.

Gvardiol has admitted that he looked up to Lionel Messi while growing up despite being a defender. The 22-year-old told Sky Sports:

"My idol was Messi. When you are a defender for 10-15 years, you get sick of it!"

The versatile Manchester City defender has only played twice against the Argentine superstar and ended up on the losing side on both occasions. The defender lost 3-2 to Messi's Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) side in the Champions League in 2021-22 when he was at RB Leipzig. Lionel Messi scored twice in that game.

Gvardiol then lined up against the Argentine superstar in the semi-final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, losing 3-0 on that occasion. Lionel Messi scored once in the game and famously embarrassed Gvardiol with a sleek dribble.

Gvardiol has established himself as a key player for Pep Guardiola's Manchester City. He had a slow start to life at the Etihad following his reported £77 million move from RB Leipzig in 2023 but has gradually settled well.

The defender has so far made 55 appearances for the Sky Blues and has already won four trophies at the club. Having featured both as a centre-back and a left-back, Gvardiol has also contributed with seven goals and three assists.

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Manchester City superstar set to snub Saudi Pro League offer to compete with Lionel Messi in MLS: Reports

Manchester City superstar Kevin De Bruyne reportedly favors a switch to the United States over a move to Saudi Arabia. As reported by Give Me Sport, the Belgium international wants to rival Lionel Messi in the Major League Soccer (MLS).

With his contract at the Etihad set to expire next summer, De Bruyne has been the subject of interest from a host of clubs from the Saudi Pro League. Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah have all reportedly been in touch with the playmaker regarding a move to the Middle East.

De Bruyne has also reportedly been offered an annual package of $20 million by San Diego. The club will play their first season in the MLS in 2025 and reportedly want the midfielder as their marquee signing.

The Belgian has been a key player for Manchester City since joining the club from VFL Wolfsburg in 2015 in a reported £55 million deal. He has won 16 trophies during his time at the club while contributing with 103 goals and 171 assists in 388 games.