The Premier League side tried their luck at signing the Argentina star before they settled for Brazil international Robinho
Manchester City made a £70 million offer for Barcelona hero Lionel Messi because of a misunderstanding, former CEO Garry Cook has revealed.
Cook joined the Premier League side in 2008, shortly after Thaksin Shinawatra bought the club, and spent three years there.
Europe's top teams have been envious of Barca since Messi broke through and began his ascent to the top of world football.
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And City tried their luck with a big offer for him after someone misunderstood what Pairoj Piempongsant, who worked with the club's owner, said in a meeting.