Bayern Munich talent Aleksandar Pavlovic has revealed that his decision to remain in Germany despite Manchester City attraction "wasn't difficult", as per reports from Germany.
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The 22-year-old was a figurehead of City's shortlist amid the pursuit of replacing linchpin midfielder Rodri after his departure for FC Barcelona in the summer, and looked to be a befitting candidate to sit in a new-look midfield set-up under new manager Enzo Maresca.
The Germany international featured heavily for his nation during the latest FIFA World Cup despite bowing out in the Round of 16 at the hands of Paraguay, and has made waves as Vincent Kompany's midfield anchor last season, with 44 appearances in all competitions.
Reports emerging from Sky Germany last week claimed Manchester City's transfer priorities sat with the Bayern Munich ace, even going as far as pre-empting his pursuit under expectation of Rodri's departure, before opting to sign Enzo Fernandez.
The summer transfer target's silence has now been broken on City's flirtations with the Bayern Munich star, speaking on the reports for the first time since the interest from Manchester.
Pavlovic says decision to stay at Bayern "wasn't difficult"
As reported by German outlet Sports BILD, and relayed by Bulinews, Aleksandar Pavlovic has spoken on the lack of difficulty in his decision making when Manchester City looked to tempt the midfielder away from Bavaria last Summer.
"First of all, it’s an honour when a top club like City comes calling, I grew up here in Munich, I’ve spent my whole life here so far, and I’ve always played football for FC Bayern," said Pavlovic.
He continued, “My family and friends live here, and for me, there’s nothing better than that. That’s why the decision wasn’t difficult."
Despite his clear affection for his boyhood club, Aleksandar Pavlovic was vocal in expressing his charm for drawing comparisons to 2024 Ballon D'Or winner Rodri, due to their similarities in style.
Pavlovic concluded, “Everyone knows what a world-class defensive midfielder Rodri is. He didn’t win the Ballon d’Or for nothing. Naturally, it’s an honour to be compared to a player like him.
"I take that as motivation to achieve my goal. [I want to] keep improving and establish myself among the world's elite."
A happy accident for Enzo Maresca?
Although recent reports have made clear the staunch intentions of Manchester City's board to bring Aleksandar Pavlovic to the Etihad Stadium as a priority in the summer, new man in charge Enzo Maresca may well be glad of the club's ultimate decision to turn attention to Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, as the club sits top of the Premier League.
The Argentinian has slotted in fantastically next to fellow £100 million-plus acquisition Elliot Anderson from the beginning of the new campaign, forming a formidable midfield partnership with Ayyoub Bouadddi working patiently as understudy to the pair.
Following a statement win over Liverpool on the treacherous Anfield turf on Sunday, it was those Rodri reinforcements who played the engine of the machine in a 0-3 victory, with Anderson providing yet another Player of the Match performance in his short time wearing Sky Blue.
It is natural for Manchester City supporters to ponder what the optimal middle unit could have looked like if the board's original 'ideal' summer of business had come to fruition - but few can argue for better results than have been seen amid the new midfield this season.