Former Manchester City forward reveals ‘uncle Pep’ Guardiola made him snub Barcelona in transfer decision

Former Manchester City winger Nolito has revealed how a conversation with Pep Guardiola made him rebuff transfer interest from Luis Enrique and Barcelona in 2016.

The 38-year-old hung up his boots 18 months ago after a stellar career that spanned across spells with Barcelona, Benfica, Manchester City and Celta Vigo, making 516 senior appearances across an 18-year journey at the top of the game.

Nolito was one of Pep Guardiola’s first signings at Manchester City and made an eye-catching start in his debut season, impressing on the left-wing in a frontline that also featured Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling.

However, the Spaniard ultimately lost his starting place to Leroy Sane in the second half of the 2016/17 campaign and had difficulties settling himself and his family into life in the north-west of England.

In previous interviews, the former Etihad Stadium winger has reflected on his struggles adapting to the Manchester weather amongst other things that culminated in a 2017 summer exit to Sevilla.

In an interview with Catalan newspaper SPORT, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Nolito reflected on his brief stint in Manchester, which came in the backdrop of interest from Barcelona and a possible return to the Camp Nou.

Asked whether he was close to a Barcelona return in 2016, Nolito said, “A lot, a lot, a lot. But I had a family problem. But the idea was to return to Barcelona. Then uncle Pep (Guardiola) came and called me to (Manchester) City, and we decided to go there, to see the darkness.”

Nolito continued, “I’m privileged, I was privileged and I am very proud of myself, even if I say so myself. Before I didn’t give it so much importance, but I have been lucky to debut in Guardiola’s Barcelona at the level that it was at that time, who won everything.

“I have played for Benfica, the best club in Portugal, Manchester City. I’m not complaining. At Celta (Vigo), it was the happiest moment of my entire career. I love Celta Vigo.

“I have been privileged, because I have done what I wanted since I was little, and they have paid me a lot of money.”