“I had the feeling” – Isco breaks silence on historic Manchester City transfer saga

Legendary Real Madrid midfielder Isco has addressed the historic transfer saga between himself and Manchester City.

The 31-year-old, who has been reunited with former Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini at La Liga side Real Betis, was heavily linked with joining the Chilean at the Etihad Stadium back in 2013.

Isco had previously worked with Pellegrini at Malaga, prior to Pellegrini moving to the Premier League and the midfielder completing a €30 million transfer to Real Madrid despite efforts by Manchester City to sign the Spaniard.

The midfielder won the UEFA Champions League five times during a nine-year spell at the Santiago Bernabeu, but was linked with numerous potential moves to City.

Isco came closest to a move to the Etihad Stadium during Pellegrini’s first transfer window at the club, ahead of the manager guiding Manchester City to the Premier League title in his first season in England.

Players including Fernandinho and Jesus Navas were signed by the Blues that summer, however Isco opted to move to Real Madrid instead of becoming the latest major transfer signing by City.

The 31-year-old has now addressed the decision to reject Manchester City’s transfer offer in 2013 during an interview with Sport, relayed by outlet Sport Witness.

“Before we went on holiday I told him that I was going with him,” revealed Isco.

“Real Madrid appeared. That’s when I had to decide. I couldn’t say no to them, and they hadn’t won the Champions League for many years and I had the feeling that it was going to happen soon.”

Isco was signed by Pellegrini last summer on a free transfer after leaving Sevilla, with the midfielder having featured in 29 matches across three competitions for Real Betis so far this season.

A transfer to Manchester City never materialised despite further links during the tenures of Pep Guardiola as well as Pellegrini’s.