‘Pep was reason I joined Blues’
YAN Couto has revealed he could have signed for Barcelona or Bayern Munich – but chose to join City.
The Blues snapped up the teenage defender from hometown club Coritiba in his native Brazil last year in a £5m deal.
The right-back had caught the eye at the 2019 Under-17 World Cup, helping Brazil to win the tournament.
His performances ultimately earned him a move to the Etihad, before being loaned out to Spanish side Girona, where he is spending this season.
The 18-year-old has made 15 appearances for the Segunda Division outfit, scoring one goal and providing two assists.
Couto’s potential was recently recognised when he was named in Goal’s 2021 list of the top 50 wonderkids in world football.
And the youngster is relishing the chance to develop under City boss Pep Guardiola.
“After the Under-17 World Cup that we won with Brazil, some clubs were interested in me - Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Manchester City,” Couto told Goal.
“To me, Pep Guardiola is the best manager in the world, and Manchester City is one of the best clubs in the world at the moment, with a bright future.
“Therefore, to me, it was the best choice.”
Couto hopes to follow in the footsteps of great Brazilian fullbacks Cafu, Roberto Carlos and Dani Alves.
While in Spain, he has been keeping a close eye on City’s progress back in England.
Guardiola’s men are 14 points clear at the top of the Premier League table and chasing an unprecedented Quadruple, with the Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup all still within their grasp.
“I watch Man City games and they are having an amazing season, winning a lot of games,” Couto added. “I’m very happy for them.
“I think I still have to improve a lot to be able to play for them. Man City is one of the best teams in the world, so I need to reach a high level.
“I still need to develop in many areas of my game to be able to play for them one day.”