Real Madrid captain Ramos wants Messi to stay at Barcelona

 

      

The Argentine shocked the world last week when he formally requested an exit from the only club he's ever represented at senior level

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has said he wants Lionel Messi to stay at Barcelona, but believes the Argentine has earned the right to decide his club future. 

Messi has shockingly requested a Camp Nou exit as he looks to activate a release clause in his contract that will allow him to unilaterally depart.

After arriving in Barcelona for crunch talks over his son's future on Wednesday, Jorge Messi admitted that "it would be difficult" for his son to remain at the club he's called home for 20 years.

As rumours of a move to Manchester City continue to percolate, Madrid captain Ramos said he is keen for the star of his club's greatest rivals to stay.

"It's something that we're not focused on but the player has earned the right to be able to decide on his future," Ramos said, speaking ahead of Spain's Nations League match against Germany on Thursday.

"Having said that, for the Spanish game and for Barca and for the rest of us, we'd like him to stay as we always want the best around."