Manchester City star reveals why he turned his father down to join Barcelona

Nico Gonzalez has spoken at length about how he turned down the chance to join Manchester City at sixteen in favour of Barcelona, in a new interview.

The 23-year-old has embedded finely in Pep Guardiola’s squad since his £50 million arrival from Porto in January, proving to be a capable stand-in for Ballon d’Or winner Rodri in the holding midfield position and adding cover for Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan.

Gonzalez has already made a series of appearances for the Premier League champions after his mid-season arrival to a club enduring their worst-ever season in a decade, with major upheaval expected in the squad this summer to challenge on all fronts once again next term.

Kevin De Bruyne is leaving City in the coming months and there is uncertainty over the respective future(s) of Bernardo Silva, Matheus Nunes, John Stones, Jack Grealish, Ederson and Stefan Ortega Moreno – all of whom have been linked with possible exits.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Gonzalez has reflected on his decision to join Manchester City this season and how he once knocked back the opportunity to sign for the club his father Fran worked for as an assistant academy coach.

“When I was 16, I almost joined Manchester City. For me, it’s the best place to be and it was like destiny to be here. It was really close. When you’re 16, it’s the first time you have to sign your professional contract,” the Spaniard said.

“I had the option, I really liked it. My father (Fran Gonzalez) was working here, obviously that was important. But I think I made the right choice staying in Barcelona because at the end I’m here and I’ve had – in the last four years – an amazing career and I’m still building this career. But I’m happy I finally arrived here!”

Pep Guardiola has been delighted with Nico’s impact since his arrival and has discussed how he is looking forward to the 23-year-old learning from Ballon d’Or winner Rodri when the latter returns to full first-team training after recovering from an ACL injury sustained last year.