I won't quit Barcelona for any English Premier League side: Messi

Barcelona striker Lionel Messi has disappointed his fans in England by revealing that he will not play in the Premier League because his heart belongs to Barcelona.

When asked if he could ever envisage playing in England, Messi said: "I don''t even think about that. Barcelona is my life, they have brought me to where I am today and I could not leave," The Mirror quoted Messi, as saying.

"I could not leave, I don''t want to leave. I know the Premier League is very good and I watch the matches on TV when I get the chance. I admire the strength of the players, it is very English - they play to the end, with a lot of spirit and determination, and the fans are very good and fair."

"But for me, I cannot see myself playing in England because my heart is with Barcelona, always. They are a great club - I love the club, the people, everything," he added.

The remark is also likely to call off potentially the biggest transfer stampede in history.

Earlier, several Premier League clubs, including Manchester City, were willing to sign Messi.

Considered as one of the best football players of his generation and frequently cited as the world''s best contemporary player, Messi has received several Ballon d''Or and FIFA World Player of the Year nominations by the age of 21 and won both by the age of 22.

His playing style and ability have drawn comparisons to football legend Diego Maradona, who himself declared Messi his "successor".