Former Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin has revealed that Manchester City tried to sign him in 2015.
Apparently, the Premier League side offered to pay more than the Uruguayan’s release clause to Atletico Madrid but Diego Simeone wasn’t prepared to let the defender leave.
Apparently, Simeone threatened to quit Atletico Madrid if the club had sold Godin to Manchester City back then.
Godin revealed: “That was the summer of 2015. Manchester City came and paid more than my [release] clause, because I wanted to do it [leave] on good terms. I was negotiating with Atlético and City were pressing.”
“Cholo [Diego Simeone] found out in Japan, because the team was touring Asia, although I was in Madrid because I had returned later from the America’s Cup. Everyone closed ranks, I remember Gabi, Raúl García, Tiago, all my teammates and Cholo too, and he said: “If Godín goes, I’ll go.”
“They are gestures that I have to thank. Actually, that shows what group there was. Within that group, I had and have friends. Soccer happens, but what you have left are friends and people who love me to this day.”
The Premier League side ended up signing Nicolas Otamendi as an alternative to the Uruguayan defender.
Godin was 29 at the time and he was arguably the best centre back in world football. There is no doubt that he would have been a sensational signing for City back then.
Manchester City signed key players like Kevin de Bruyne and Raheem Sterling that summer and the signing of Godin could have propelled them towards more trophies.
City have struggled in recent seasons after the departure of Kompany and Godin’s experience could have been vital for them.
The Uruguayan defender currently plays for Italian club Cagliari.
