Nico O’Reilly says he chose to join City’s Academy more than a decade ago because of the quality of the training sessions.
The midfielder and former Under-18 captain has this season stepped up into Pep Guardiola’s squad after impressing during the summer pre-season tour of the US.
Born and raised in north Manchester, O’Reilly began his footballing journey the moment he could walk and was soon impressing for local sides.
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The 19-year-old particularly remembers amateur clubs Moston Tigers and Failsworth Dynamos having a role in his development before he was scouted by the giants of the game in the north west of England.
That left him and his family with a big choice to make before he’d even reached secondary school.
Speaking on the latest episode of the Official Man City Podcast, O’Reilly says the choice was clear for one reason in particular.
“I started when I was three or four.
“I was at a few grassroots teams at the same time so my mum would take me from one game to another, rushing around.
“The first team that scouted me was actually United and then City came in for me as well as Liverpool and Everton.
“Before you sign a contract you train with all the teams so I was doing that for a bit. I had a choice when I was Under-8s and Under-9s out of City and United.
“I chose City because the training was a lot better.”
A composed and classy operator in the centre of the park, O’Reilly is one of the latest talents to come off a highly productive line that has already bred the likes of local stars Phil Foden and Rico Lewis.
His competitive debut came in this year’s Community Shield, as we played out a 1-1 draw with Manchester United before winning on penalties.
He played 63 minutes in midfield and has since started both of our Carabao Cup games this term and made a late appearance in the Champions League win over Sparta Prague.
For all youngsters who dream of playing for City, there could hardly be a better debut than in a Wembley clash with our biggest rivals.
Reflecting on it now, O’Reilly says he took that day in his stride – as he has done with every new challenge in his fledgling career to date.
“Before it I was excited but then we were walking out I got a little nervous,” he said.
“The stadium is massive and it was in a derby as well. I got my first few touches out the way and settled down.
“I watched the game back and knew I could have done some things better but as a whole I was proud of it.
“I’m a laid back guy and off the pitch I think I can still be the same person.
“When I step on the pitch, I have to step it up and be aggressive, show desire, show that I want to fight. That’s what I’m good at but off the pitch I’m completely different.
“I’ve always been able to do that but I went through two years of growing a lot where I was struggling with my legs. Gradually it came back.”
CITY+ subscribers can watch the vodcast version of Nico O’Reilly’s chat with presenters Liam Loftus and Nedum Onuoha on mancity.com and our official app today.