“There’s no way for me to know…” — Aston Villa star opens up on failed Man City move

Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz has opened up on his failed move to Manchester City in 2017.

The Brazilian was labeled as a future star in the middle of the park when Manchester City signed him in 2017, but due to visa issues, the former Vasco de Gama man didn’t play a single game for the Etihad outfit.

While he did feature for City Football Group affiliate club Girona in Spain, Douglas Luiz was eventually sold to Aston Villa when it became clear he did not have a future in Pep Guardiola’s team.

The 25-year-old has since worked his way into the conversation as one of the top central midfield players in the Premier League, playing a key role in Aston Villa’s meteoric rise to the top-four under Unai Emery in the 2023/24 campaign.

Speaking in a recent interview with ESPN Brazil, the Villa man revealed his appreciation for Manchester City, despite his move ultimately hitting a wall.

“There’s no way for me to know if it was the best or the worst way,” he said. “I couldn’t do it both ways.

“But it’s a club I’m very grateful of, because it was the club that went to Brazil, brought me to Europe, something every player dreams of. I also knew about the contract when I went to Girona.”

“It didn’t go as planned, because they told me I was going to Girona, gain more experience and then go back to Manchester City, something that didn’t happen. But I’m not frustrated at all, I’m very happy with the moment I’m living.”

“I’ve played against Manchester City a few times and I really wanted to score there, but it hasn’t happened so far. I’m waiting for the right moment. “

Douglas Luiz’s Aston Villa side recently dispatched Manchester City, beating the champions 1-0 at Villa Park to announce themselves a true contenders. But with 22 games remaining City sit just two points behind Unai Emery’s men.