BARCELONA
Nolito rejected Barça offer to play for Guardiola at Man City
The Spanish forward spoke to The Guardian about his motives for moving to the Premier League and explained why he chose Manchester over Barcelona.
Manuel Agudo Durán, known as Nolito, has confessed that he rejected a potential move to LaLiga champions Barcelona in favour of a switch to Premier League challengers Manchester City.
The Spanish forward made it clear in his interview with The Guardian what his reasons for the move were: one of which was to work under new City manager, Pep Guardiola.
“The truth is I enjoyed working with him [Guardiola] in Barcelona even though it wasn’t much time. It’s a reason for me to come here but not the only one," said the player who signed this summer from Celta for 18 million euros. They had both been at the Catalan club when Nolito was given his debut in the 2010-11 season.
The player outlined other reasons for the move saying that the club was also important: “They have a great team, it’s a great project, they got to the semi-finals of the Champions League last season and the truth is I will try to help this club achieve great things.”
Decision making
“I spoke with David [Silva]. He spoke well about City and I had a consultation with my family and my agent and it took me just two days to make the decision. I have had luck to play with [Lionel] Messi a bit but what I want in life is to enjoy my football, play football and be happy. I took the decision. I was fortunate to play in Barcelona, although not much in the first team, and now I am excited about playing at City and I will try to do great things here.”
“I wish Barcelona all the best. I am very proud of Barcelona’s interest, but now I am here and I think I made the best decision to come here.”
Flexible and confident
Although the player and manager have yet to discuss how he will be used in the team, the player is happy to adapt: "I will play wherever the manager wants me to play. There are two positions that I can play. I am comfortable in either position and I will play in either of them and adapt to whatever the manager wants."
“I can see we have a good team and we can do anything. Why can’t we win the league? It’s a different league, the hardest in the world and I think we will try to win it. Let’s see what happens.
