‘So glad we kept him’, ‘Easily our best CB’ – Man City fans react as Nathan Ake ‘very happy’ he stayed at the Etihad after failed Chelsea transfer

Nathan Ake says he is ‘very happy’ that he stayed at Manchester City in the summer after a return to old Chelsea failed to materialise earlier in the summer.

Ake looked to be in line for a move away from City in the last transfer window as former club Chelsea eyed a move for his servces.

However, despite interest from the London club, it is believed that a £50m valuation of the player prevented Chelsea from getting his man.

With Laporte struggling top overcome a knee injury at the start of the season, Ake has started five top-flight matches for the Premier League champions, including Saturday’s 4-0 win over Southampton.

The Netherlands international remains under contract at the Etihad until the end of the 2024-25 season, but he is now being tipped to seek pastures new in search of regular starts.

Reports last week claimed Inter Milan are trying to tempt the Dutch centre-back into leaving Manchester City.

Ake, who joined Pep Guardiola for pre-match media, is pleased to have got some opportunities this term after being linked with a move away in the summer.

The Dutchman said: “So far I’m happy. Obviously I started the season playing a few games. I had a little setback with the injury but luckily it wasn’t too bad.

“I’m progressing well and hopefully I can continue like this. I’m very happy to be here. Football can be strange sometimes and things happen but in the end I’m very happy I stayed.”

“My first season wasn’t great with injuries but you get used to it after the second. Maybe you get used to it a little bit for the team. So many games [to maintain rhythm] and training is very hard. You have to show what you can do”

These Nathan Aké’s comments were shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.

Beyond happy he decided to stay, Chelsea would’ve ruined him.🇳🇱💙 pic.twitter.com/czEXKgltnC

— ⁹ (@CrustyFlacko) October 10, 2022

“I’m happy that he stayed 😃”
Credit: @fanatic_city

“Such a wholesome player, so glad we kept him.”
Credit: @Twistony_26

“We’re all happy he stayed as well. He’s been top class this season”
Credit: @a779457

“Easily our best CB”
Credit: @AbzSemtex

“It pisses me off that his performances aren’t talked about enough they suddenly go under the radar, underrated player.”
Credit: @MikeGit62226697