Nico rules out immediate return home and wants to stay at Blues
NICOLAS Otamendi insists he will see out the remaining two years on his City contract, despite reports in the Argentine media that he wants to end his career at River Plate.
The Blues defender has been back in Argentina during the winter break, and celebrated his 32nd birthday on Wednesday.
Among the many birthday messages was one from friend Martin Sendoa, who wrote: “Happy birthday gatin!!! Victory loves the prepared, always friends.I wish you the best and have a beautiful day.” Crucially, the post was accompanied by a photo of the pair outside River Plate’s El Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, prompting speculation Otamendi wanted to move to the club he supports.
Sendoa then spoke to TyC Sports, where he said Otamendi is ‘dying’ to finish his career at River.
“Nico’s wish is to retire in River but he’s not going to interrupt the contract with the City,” he is quoted as saying.
“At 34 he could return to Argentina and close his career in the Millionaire, but we still had no contact and nobody spoke to us. If [River manager Marcelo] Gallardo calls him, Nico doesn’t even doubt him, he comes. He is dying to play in River.”
However, Otamendi has now put the record straight, saying he intends to honour the remaining two years on his City contract and distanced himself from Sendoa’s comments.
“I am a River fan,” Otamendi told La Red (via Ole).
“Martin is my friend, but not my representative. Jorge Mendes is. I don’t want to embarrass Gallardo or River. I have two years of contractat Manchester City and my head is set
here, to fulfil it. My family, my children are happy. Then it will be seen.
“It’s complicated because my children have been in Europe for ten years, with other customs. I’d love to be here with my parents and take mates, but it’s a sacrifice that must be made.”
Otamendi revealed he had received messages from River fans, but insisted he has not spoken to the club and is focused on City.
He continued: “It’s tempting about River fans, to send me messages. I’m a fan, but I’m fine here and important games are coming. I’m focused on the club, being professional.
“I didn’t talk to people from River, or anything. I don’t want to put them in trouble.”
Otamendi did praise River boss Marcelo Gallardo, saying: “It is incredible in these years what made him play River, the titles he won.”