New Manchester City winger Jesus Navas has revealed that he turned down the opportunity to join Arsenal in 2010.
The Spaniard joined City from Sevilla this summer along with team-mate Alvaro Negredo.
The duo represents a major shakeup in City’s squad as the club seek to snatch the title back from rivals Manchester United.
However, Navas was close to a move to London as Arsene Wenger attempted to prize the player away from Spain.
“That was back in 2010 when Sevilla won the Spanish Cup,” he said.
“I was still winning things and achieving there. But we haven’t won anything for two or three years and I feel now is the right time to move on because I’m ambitious and I always demand 100% from myself.”
Speaking to the club’s official website, Navas said that believes City are at an pivotal moment in their development.
“It’s an exciting time to be joining City and I’m confident we will enjoy the season and do great things together,” he said.
“Obviously I know Alvaro well. He was a team-mate of mine at Sevilla and he scores lots of goals. I’m very pleased to see him following me to City.
“For me, it was clear what I wanted to do. I wanted to join City. Both Alvaro and I were convinced City is a great club to join.”
Image courtesy of Manchester City, via CityTV, with thanks.
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