Manchester City target and Italian international forward Stephan El Shaarawy has rubbished reports he is set to leave AC Milan this summer.
The 20-year-old enjoyed a productive season at the San Siro, netting 18 times and linking up with former City man Mario Balotelli, after his January switch.
However, El Shaarawy – nicknamed ‘The Pharaoh’ – revealed he is not interested in going the other way, despite rumours of a strong interest from free-spending City.
“I don’t think I will leave Milan,” he told La Repubblica. “If City really wants me, it flatters me. But I want to stay here at AC Milan.
“I always felt total confidence from all: the club, coach [Massimiliano] Allegri and team-mates. It’s also thanks to them that I am in the Italian national team.”
City, who are still yet to officially replace manager Roberto Mancini after his sacking in May, are reportedly interested in a swap deal to land the youngster.
Milan have shown an interest in Carlos Tevez in the past and the Argentine’s contract at the Etihad Stadium has just one year left to run.
The Italian giants’ vice-president, Adriano Galliani, believes they will win the race with rivals Juventus to sign Tevez, but El Shaarawy will not be involved in the deal.
“Who says that El Shaarawy will leave? He will not leave,” he said.
“Carlitos won’t betray me. I like Carlitos a lot, because he’s a ‘nasty’ player. His wages? There will be no problems with Tevez.”
City have already opened their chequebook this summer, confirming the signings of Jesus Navas and Fernandinho for a combined price of more than £50million.
And they are expected to add a manager to those arrivals in the coming weeks, with Chilean Manuel Pellegrini all but confirmed as the new boss.
Image courtesy of AC Milan, via YouTube, with thanks.
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