Stevan Jovetic Reveals Rejecting Real Madrid for Manchester City

Manchester City striker Stevan Jovetic has revealed that he rejected a chance to join for Real Madrid after Matija Nastasic convinced him in signing for the Citizens.

The Montenegro international was linked with a move to City, while the Spanish capital club and Arsenal were also reportedly interested in signing the striker.

The 24-year-old striker signed for City from Fiorentina last summer as he believes the Etihad outfit's project convinced him in making a move to Manchester.

"There was also Real Madrid, but I chose City. Nastasic and I talked a lot, he convinced me. I decided to come here because there is a major project with many players," Jovetic explained.

"I should have come the year before, but I was happy and I had a nice season with [manager Vincenzo] Montella and Fiorentina."

Jovetic has seen his first team appearances being restricted this season. Manuel Pellegrini has fielded Sergio Aguero and Alvaro Negredo to lead the Citizens attack.

The duo are in fine form for City this campaign and their recent performances, coupled with Jovetic's injuries earlier in the season has seen his playing time being limited during his debut season.

Jovetic has started only once in the Premier League this season. The striker has admitted that he has no regrets of making a switch to the Etihad in the summer and has urged to prove his worth for the Citizens.

"These four to five months at the beginning were difficult because I wasn't playing. Then I often got injured, but now it's all behind me. I never doubted myself, even in the most difficult moments. I knew I could play in this team and now I have to prove it," the Mirror quoted the striker as saying.

"I'm very happy now. It's been a long time that I was injured. Now I'm back on the pitch and able to help the guys. It's much easier when you play and score goals. But unfortunately for me it's not been a good way to start. But you have to stay calm and believe in yourself, like I did.

"I know I can do so many good things for this club. I hope I will show that in the last four months until the end," Jovetic concluded.