Deulofeu, on loan at Milan from Everton, came through the youth academy at Barcelona, where he was often compared to Messi.

However, having been tipped to break into the first team at the Camp Nou, he was eventually forced to leave in 2015 in search of regular football.

"In the end, [the comparisons] were more detrimental than beneficial," Deulofeu told Forza Milan. "Normally I don't read newspapers, but that headline I remember well. It created too much expectation among Barcelona fans. There's only one Messi."

Deulofeu had struggled to make an impact at Everton this season and so left for Milan on loan in January, where he has since impressed, scoring one goal and recording three assists in nine Serie A appearances.

Deulofeu is due to return to Everton at the end of the season, but for now he wants to focus on his football with Milan.

"My future? It'll be seen to," he said. "My dream is in the present, from experience I know it's best to leave the past behind and focus on the present. We'll see what happens in the future. For now, I just want to enjoy the good time that I'm having at Milan."