Gonzalo Higuain has told former Argentina team-mate Lionel Messi not to consider a move to the Premier League because defenders in England “kick the s*** out of you”
Messi’s future at Barcelona has been called into question in recent months as he grows increasingly frustrated by the way the club is being run. The embarrassing defeat by Bayern Munich has only increased talk he could be on his way out.
Ronald Koeman is expected to be appointed as manager after Quique Setien was sacked and it remains to be seen if a new boss and an overhaul of the first-team squad can convince Messi to stay put.
But Higuain has told Messi not to consider a move to the Premier League, insisting the physicality of the English top tier is brutal and that referees are not overly protective of players.
The 32-year-old spent the second half of the 2018-19 season on loan at Chelsea, helping Maurizio Sarri’s side into the top four and to the Europa League title.
But he struggled to settle at Stamford Bridge, scoring five goals in 18 appearances as he failed to secure a permanent move to West London.
“England? Over there defenders kick the shit out of you and nothing gets given [by referees,” he said in an interview with Marca.
“They’re built like wardrobes and they hit you. I suffered a lot in the English league. I did not manage to adapt in six months. It has nothing to do with the Spanish League.
“I don’t know how it could impact Leo, but being a player of another level I don’t think he would suffer, but it’s a very complicated league.’
Messi has been linked with a reunion with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City in the past, as well as to Inter Milan in recent months.
The Barcelona hierarchy have promised sweeping changes at the top of the club with Koeman expected to take over and a huge squad reshuffle planned this summer.
Messi has spent 12 months battling club president Josep Maria Bartomeu and the Nou Camp hierarchy regarding the direction the club is currently heading.
Higuain added: “I don’t know what Leo Messi might be thinking.
“I hope he decides what he feels will make him happy. That is the most important thing in a decision.
“Choosing what one feels will make him happy, not what will make the other happy.”