Mateo Kovacic has confirmed he will stay at City this season, ending speculation over his future after talks with new head coach Enzo Maresca.
The Croatia international had been linked with a return to Italy, with Inter Milan and Juventus both credited with interest as he entered the final year of his contract.
That speculation was fuelled by an injury-hit campaign in which persistent Achilles and ankle problems limited him to just nine appearances.
Speaking to reporters during City’s pre-season tour of Asia, Kovacic said talks with Maresca had put any uncertainty to rest. “I didn’t feel any question marks from them,” he said.
“I spoke with them, they count on me, which was important to hear. And now for the players it’s always on you to show your best version, because if you’re playing good, the manager will put you first.”
The 32-year-old also pointed to the physical toll of last season, saying the pace of international football with Croatia felt notably slower than the Premier League.
“When you come to the national team and play at the World Cup, you see the pace is much slower,” he said.
With Mateo Kovacic staying and City’s other midfield business — Rodri, Bouaddi, Bernardo Silva’s departure — still unresolved, Maresca now has a squad shaping up with real depth once the World Cup returnees are back.
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