Nico Gonzalez enjoyed an impressive Newcastle United debut against Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.
Nico Gonzalez has thanked Manchester City for their honesty after joining Newcastle United.
Signed in January 2025, the Spaniard had been dubbed “mini Rodri” by Pep Guardiola. Ultimately, the former Ballon d’Or winner would stifle Gonzalez’s opportunities at the Etihad.
He enjoyed an extended run in the team at the beginning of last season - starting 21 games. However, once Rodri returned from injury, Gonzalez was sidelined, appearing on the Premier League team sheet just twice from January onwards.
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Nico Gonzalez makes Man City admission
The 24-year-old - who shone as a debutant against Tottenham Hotspur - has opened up about Man City changing their mind on his future. Gonzalez said: “When I played, I played really good and I felt comfortable. The way they play was really good for me and I tried to play good every time. Last year, I was playing well, then I got injured and Rodri came back. Rodri then obviously played really well.
“I talked with them at the start of pre-season and they told me they counted on me. That's why I wanted to stay and I (thought I would) have a good chance of playing there. The situation changed, they brought some players.
“So the situation changed. They were sincere, which I really appreciate. They told me what they felt and that the best chance for me was to look for something. I'm really happy it worked out.”
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‘A good season’ - Nico Gonzalez
When asked to reveal Newcastle’s aims for the season, Gonzalez stayed coy while dangling the European carrot. He added: “I haven't heard those talks. I know there's been a lot of changes. Two seasons ago they (Newcastle) went to the Champions League twice and last season they were 12th.
“Obviously, there's been many changes. Everyone expects us to be back in the Champions League or Europe. I hope we have the chance but that's not important now, it's just the next game and we'll see at the end of the season. But the quality of everyone is really good and we have a chance of having a good season.”
‘They told me’ - Nico Gonzalez makes Man City U-turn admission after £50m Newcastle United move
‘They told me’ - Nico Gonzalez makes Man City U-turn admission after £50m Newcastle United move