Fred’s pride at talk of switch to Etihad

CITY transfer target Fred admits he is ‘proud’ to be linked with a potential move to the Etihad.

The Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder has been a star performer in the Champions League this season and his recent displays have reportedly caught the eye of Pep Guardiola.

Fred grabbed more headlines this week as he smashed in a spectacular free-kick to earn his side a 2-1 victory over Roma, and fuel further speculation of a summer transfer.

And speaking prior to the win in the Champions League the 24-year-old welcomed the admiration from Guardiola.

The City manager chatted with Fred after the Blues faced Shakhtar early in the season and the Brazilian spoke fondly of the encounter.

“Coming from someone like Guardiola, now one of the most recognised managers in the world, it makes me proud,” he told UOL Esporte.

“It motivates me even more to continue to do my best in every training session and match.

“We met briefly after that game. He praised my performance, I thanked him and complimented his team. It was all very fast, nothing more.

“Everything about the compliments he did and the supposed City interest I heard in the press. I try not to worry about it.

“I let my representatives take care of that. My focus is on Shakhtar, with whom I have a contract.”