Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain has played down talk of a move to Barcelona despite receiving glowing praise from Nou Camp talisman Lionel Messi.
The two men are international team-mates with Argentina and have figured prominently in their side’s run to the World Cup semi-finals, in which they face Holland tonight.
Messi has made no secret of the fact that he would like to see the former Real Madrid hitman return to La Liga with the Catalan giants, but Higuain remains coy about the prospect of leaving the Italians after only one full season.
The 26-year-old, who was the subject of strong interest from Arsenal 12 months ago before completing his move to Naples, told TycSport: “I am really grateful to Leo for his words, but I have a contract with Napoli that makes me very happy.
“The club has always treated me well, ever since I arrived.”
Higuain, who still has four years remaining on his current deal with the Serie A club, scored 22 goals in all competitions for Rafael Benitez’s team during the 2013-14 campaign.
He helped them lift the Italian Cup and secure Champions League qualification.
The forward netted in the World Cup quarter-final triumph over Belgium but could lose his place to fit-again Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero tonight.