Nolito: I joined Manchester City to work with Guardiola again
Pep Guardiola is one of the main reasons why Nolito turned down interest from Barcelona to join Manchester City this summer, according to the player.
Nolito sealed a £13.8-million transfer from Celta Vigo on July 1, becoming Guardiola's second signing after midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.
The 29-year-old confirmed that Barcelona had offered him a chance to return to the club where he made his top-flight debut during the 2010-11 campaign.
But he eschewed Barcelona's interest because he wanted to work with Guardiola again. It was the Spanish boss who promoted Nolito to the first team from Barcelona's B side, although he only made two La Liga appearances for the Blaugrana before leaving.
"The truth is I enjoyed working with him in Barcelona even though it wasn't much time. It's a reason for me to come here but not the only one," Nolito said, according to the Guardian's Jamie Jackson. "But it was also about City, 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."
Nolito also made the move on the basis that he would play a large role in City's plans for the upcoming season. He's coming off an impressive three seasons with Celta Vigo, where he scored a respectable 39 goals in 100 league appearances.
He started in each of Spain's four matches at Euro 2016, further raising his international profile.
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He will now have to battle with Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne, Jesus Navas, David Silva, and Samir Nasri for regular minutes at the Etihad. Sergio Aguero is a shoo-in at the centre-forward position.
"I thought it was the best decision for me and my career. I have come to the Premier League to play with City and under Pep Guardiola, who will play me in the first team, and I am very happy with the decision I took."
It's the second time Nolito has rejected Barcelona in favour of first-team football. He left the club for Benfica on a free transfer in 2011.
"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," the Spanish winger said. "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."