Joshua Kimmich eager to play with Messi or Ronaldo at Bayern Munich

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 3 min read

Joshua Kimmich has expressed an admiration for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and says he would love the opportunity to play with them at Bayern Munich.

Messi and Ronaldo have been the two best players in the world over the past decade-and-a-half, but for the first time in their careers, they are both reaching a summer when their future is unclear.

READ MORE: Juventus comment on the future of ‘untouchable’ Ronaldo

Messi has become disillusioned with life at Barcelona over the past 12 months, particularly after last season which was the first time in 12 years the Blaugrana failed to win a major trophy, while they were emphatically knocked out of the Champions League in a 8-2 loss against Bayern.

Though things have improved recently for Barca, domestically at least, they were eliminated from the Champions League at an even earlier stage in the last-16 by Paris Saint-Germain a couple of weeks ago.

Messi’s contract at Camp Nou runs out at the end of the current season and so would be available on a free transfer, with PSG and Man City the only two clubs thought to be in the race for his signature.

As for Ronaldo, he played a major part in Juventus being knocked out of the Champions League at the same stage as Barcelona after a two-legged tie against Porto.

He has been linked with a move away from the Bianconeri, who could potentially be open to letting him off their wage bill if a sufficient offer came in.

Though no interest has been credited to Bayern, Kimmich has named Messi and Ronaldo as two players he would love to play alongside in his career.

“Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi,” he told Bild.

“For me, it’s so impressive, almost unbelievable, how you can maintain this level for over 15 years. I’d like to see what they do every day.”

Who is Kimmich’s hero?

Kimmich has further praise for another Barcelona star, or at least a former one, as he cites former Blaugrana captain Xavi as his midfield inspiration.

“My role model was always Xavi Hernandez from Barcelona,” said the 26-year-old.

“He was never the biggest, but he played with vision, technique and passing, always bringing others into the game.

“He impressed me and that’s how I wanted to play. I got to know him during a training camp in Doha and it was a really cool moment!”

Xavi has long been linked with a return to Barcelona at some point to become head coach.