Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca has backed Jeremy Monga's decision to join the club from Leicester City, insisting the teenager made the right choice in turning down Arsenal.
The 17-year-old winger, who has 37 first-team appearances for Leicester including seven in the Premier League, was pursued by both Arsenal and City this summer. Monga admitted he came close to joining the Gunners, telling the BBC: 'It was very strong because it was very close to me going there, very close.'
Why Monga chose City
Explaining his decision, Monga cited the club's success and the pathway to the first team. 'The main decision was probably the pathway and the club itself. They've been so successful that it was a no-brainer when City call. It's every child's dream to win trophies and be at the top with the best,' he said.
'Once I get the opportunity I just need to show myself, and once I do that, everything will take care of itself. I feel like, to me personally, I see myself at City more. I see myself in blue.'
City paid £10m for the teenager, who has already featured in pre-season, coming off the bench against a K-League XI, and was an unused substitute in the 3-1 win over Atletico Madrid.
Maresca's verdict
Maresca believes City's trophy haul over the past decade makes them an attractive destination for young players. 'Absolutely yes,' he said when asked if City were an appealing proposition. 'What the club and this organisation has made in the last 10-15 years is unbelievable. So it's also for the young generation, for the young players, it's a good reason why to join this club and I think Jeremy did the right choice.'
The new manager added: 'Jeremy is doing well. The important thing is they work without pressure. Just enjoy, work hard and then with spending days together, for sure they're going to be better.'
Monga may need time to break into the first team, while new signing Elliot Anderson, who arrived from Nottingham Forest for £116m, is expected to feature immediately. Maresca praised Anderson's character, saying: 'When we make a decision it's not just about how they are as a player – which is important – but we also look at the behaviour, the person, the human. Elliot has all these kind of things. He's a fantastic player, a very nice guy, humble, polite and it will be a pleasure for me to work with him.'
