5-time UEFA Champions League winner now admits he actually agreed to join Man City in 2013

Redaction Simon Brett with Billy Meyers
Published on 2024-01-26 15:30:00

Real Betis’ No. 22 Isco has recently made a very intriguing comment about Manchester City, in which he revealed that he initially agreed to join Manuel Pellegrini from Malaga to Manchester City in 2013. However, a last-minute offer from Real Madrid caused a change of heart, ultimately leading him to agree to play for the Spanish giants.

When speaking to SPORT, Isco shared this story, explaining, “Before we went on holiday I told him that I was going with him (to Manchester from Malaga). Real Madrid appeared. That’s when I had to decide. I couldn’t say no to them. They hadn’t won the Champions League for many years, and I had the feeling that it was going to happen soon.”

Ultimately, this decision led to a £23 million move to the Santiago Bernabeu in June 2013, where he went on to achieve significant success, lifting the UEFA Champions League at the end of his debut campaign and accumulating a total of five UEFA Champions League titles during his time at Real Madrid.

While the revelation of Isco’s potential move to Manchester City may disappoint some supporters, it is worth noting that City ultimately signed Kevin De Bruyne, who is recognized for his creativity and impact as an attacking midfielder, just two years after Isco’s decision to join Real Madrid. However, there is no denying that the Spanish maestro would have been a valuable addition at the Etihad Stadium nonetheless.

During his time at Real Madrid, Isco impressively scored 53 goals and provided 57 assists across 353 appearances, winning nearly all there is to win at the club level. Now, he is back with Pellegrini at Real Betis, once again under the manager whom he was so close to joining at Manchester City.

Overall, Isco’s comments provide an interesting insight into how close he came to joining Manchester City and how his career, particularly in the UEFA Champions League, unfolded following his decision to join Real Madrid.

Read Original article on Manchester City News